The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Niger Delta stakeholders blast detractors linking Ogbuku to political ambition

    Niger Delta stakeholders blast detractors linking Ogbuku to political ambition

    Stakeholders under the auspices of the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) have lambasted persons accusing the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, of nursing a political ambition.

    The group raised the alarm over the allegation that Ogbuku was nursing ambition to become the governor of Bayelsa state was part of an orchestrated plot by detractors to lay the foundation for the destabilisation of the current board and management of the NDDC.

    The group’s Coordinator, Comrade Timi Apere, in a statement in Port Harcourt, insisted that those behind the allegation had a devilish motive of creating and promoting an impression that the commission’s management lacked focus.

    The stakeholders said: “As a group that supports the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, we will not stand by and watch as some unscrupulous politicians toy with our destiny by conspiring to pull down the NDDC Governing Board that was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 29, 2023.

    “We are concerned that successive Boards and Managements of the NDDC have been subjected to smear campaigns, fabricated stories and absurd allegations meant to tarnish the image of the officials, with a view to removing them from office”.

    The group warned enemies of the Niger Delta peddling the allegation to steer clear affirming that the current NDDC board and management were doing things differently by adopting new strategies.

    “We are convinced that it is a new dawn at the commission and the era of underhand practices are over. It is, therefore, preposterous for anyone to claim that the NDDC leadership is not working for the general good of the people.

    “It is common knowledge that the commission has invested in numerous infrastructural developments, especially on roads, electricity, healthcare, education, human capacity building, agriculture and environment”, they said.

    The peace advocates insisted that promoters of the allegation were enemies of the Niger Delta, who were envious of the multiple successes recorded so far by Ogbuku and the board.

    According to them, the false claims are meant to sow a seed of discord in the region and scuttle the plans of the commission to speed up the development process.

    But the group said: “The truth is that the Board and Management of the NDDC are now, more than ever before, determined to make a remarkable impact. This became evident after the four-day Retreat anchored on ‘Renewed Hope: A New Era for Vitality, Peace and Development’, which was held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    “Following the retreat, we are beginning to see a new NDDC that is pushing relentlessly to provide solar-powered streetlights in many communities across the region.

    “Apparently, some politicians are not comfortable with these emerging stories of success, hence the subterranean campaign to distract the NDDC leadership by dressing the Managing Director in an unsolicited political garb. We see this as undisguised blackmail by some persons and groups to discredit Dr. Ogbuku and slow down his rising profile”.

    The stakeholders recalled that they met and interacted with Ogbuku on many occasions and from their engagements they observed without equivocation that he was not nursing the ambition of contesting for governorship in Bayelsa as he only pledged to revamp the NDDC to serve the interest of the region and the country.

    Read Also: Tinubu has given us mandate to complete all legacy projects in Niger Delta, says Ogbuku

    The group said: “We appeal to those weaving this political scheme around Dr Ogbuku to desist forthwith and allow him to concentrate on the task of implementing the NDDC mandate of facilitating rapid and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

    “The Niger Delta Peace Advocates believe that those who mean well for our region should join forces with key stakeholders to challenge the powerful forces and systems that are bent on holding the NDDC captive to subvert its objectives.

    “Although we cannot discountenance the effects of political interference in the activities of the NDDC, we are pleased that the current board and management have adopted measures to check these extraneous influences.

    “We urge the NDDC Governing Board to remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”

  • Killing of soldiers: Johnbull condoles Nigerian Army, hails act of patriotism

    Killing of soldiers: Johnbull condoles Nigerian Army, hails act of patriotism

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (South-South), Honorable Gift Johnbull, expresses condolences over the death of the soldiers who were killed during a peace mission in Okuama Community, Delta State.

    The incident, which happened on Thursday, March 14, saw security personnel ambushed while responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

    The attack resulted in the loss of a commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain, twelve soldiers, and one civilian.

    In a heartfelt message, Gift Johnbull extended her profound condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and loved ones.

    Read Also: PANDEF condemns killing of military personnel in Delta

    She hailed the heroism, courage, and uncommon patriotism displayed by the servicemen and women in the line of duty.

    She said: “I extend my profound condolences to the families of those fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones.

    “I salute the heroism, courage, and uncommon patriotism of our service men and women in the line of duty.

    “The Renewed Hope government condemns in totality these evil acts and has granted full authority to the Defense Headquarters to bring justice to anyone found to have been responsible for this crime against the south-south community and in entirety the Nigerian people.

    “Our people are unique in diversity sharing fraternity over the years as the seas, lands, and resources bear us witness paving the way for a rich heritage for our people but we can only achieve a great future in oneness. Mr President’s community engagement agenda can only have maximum impacts if we live peaceably in love and oneness.

    “May God grant peace and pardon to all lost souls in this crisis and restore calmness to all communities in the zone.”

  • HURIWA seeks robust civil society support against crude oil theft

    HURIWA seeks robust civil society support against crude oil theft

    Leading Civil Rights advocacy group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has rallied civil rights organisations and non-governmental entities to join forces in solidarity with  Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari. 

    In an era where the nefarious activities of organised criminal syndicates threaten to destabilise the very foundation of economic backbone, HURIWA underscored the imperative for a united front against this pervasive menace as a call to action, stating that with a staggering 9,000 infractions recorded on oil pipelines within a single year, demanding a concerted response from all sectors of society.

    “The recent disclosure by Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, revealing a staggering 9,000 infractions on oil pipelines within a single year, underscores the critical urgency for all members of the civil society in Nigeria to actively unite and offer unwavering support and solidarity. Our collective efforts are imperative to swiftly combat the scourge of crude oil theft and ensure its swift defeat.

    “The visionary leadership of Mele Kyari and the NNPCL management, in their relentless pursuit of counter-crude oil theft strategies, has garnered commendation. However, the depth and breadth of the crisis necessitate a broader coalition, drawing from the moral authority and constitutional mandate vested in the Nigerian citizenry,” HURIWA stated. 

    It emphasised the appeal for broad-based civil society and nationwide support and solidarity with the NNPCL in combating crude oil theft is firmly rooted in constitutional principles. 

    It highlighted Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic which mandates citizens to actively uphold good governance standards, as the foundation of their call to action.

    Read Also: Reps pledge to support NSCDC tackle crude oil theft, protect critical national assets

    “Mele Kyari, speaking during an oversight function at the NNPC headquarters, revealed the extent of the challenge, with 6,465 illegal refineries deactivated and nearly 5,000 illegal pipeline connections removed. He acknowledged the daunting nature of the task, noting that despite efforts, the scale of infractions remains staggering, often escalating immediately after intervention.

    “Kyari stressed the centrality of security in addressing pipeline vandalism, underscoring NNPC’s collaboration with all security agencies and private security firms. Despite operational challenges, he affirmed the corporation’s capacity to exceed two million barrels per day but lamented the impact of crude oil theft on production targets, citing a drop to 1.1 million barrels per day in 2022.

    “In conclusion, Kyari reiterated the urgent need for decisive action to avert further decline in production, attributing the shortfall primarily to crude theft. He underscored the interconnectedness of this issue with broader challenges facing the industry, emphasizing the imperative for concerted efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard Nigeria’s oil resources,” HURIWA stated. 

    HURIWA applauded Kyari’s unwavering resolve and patriotic fervor in confronting this hydra-headed monster of crude oil theft. Moreover, the organization revealed ongoing deliberations with various stakeholders across civil society and non-governmental spheres to establish a national network of civil rights bodies in support of combating crude oil thefts.

    “This collaborative endeavor seeks to harness the collective wisdom and resources of credible civil rights leaders, fostering a unified front against the scourge of crude oil theft. Through multifaceted dialogues and strategic advocacy initiatives, HURIWA aims to galvanize widespread support for the NNPCL’s endeavors, ensuring the realization of holistic objectives in the battle against this pernicious threat.

    “In the face of adversity, unity becomes our greatest strength. Let us stand together, resolute in our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and prosperity for all,” HURIWA stressed.

  • Niger Delta international festival and economic investment summit holds

    Niger Delta international festival and economic investment summit holds

    Arrangements are ongoing to host the mother of all trade expo and investment being organised by the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo (NDIFTE). 

    The twin event, the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo and Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta. 

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja shortly after signing an MoU with the Ministry, the founder of NDIFTE, Amb. Amb Kenule Nwiya, said the festival and trade expo is strategically designed to give back to the people of the region by way of economic empowerment, rich cultural display, trade expo and more. 

    The Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore signed the MoU on behalf of the Minister. 

    “We will have the charity medical outreach, as well as lots of empowerment programmes in line with the festival’s show structure. 

    “Of course the empowerment is something that we have designed to enhance small, medium scale enterprises and empower our people in this sub-sector of the economy. That is not all, people that promote our local foods, they will also be empowered. 

    “There will be a lot of pitch around this cycle, they will showcase their local foods, local fabrics and whatever it is that oils the wheel of their economy. This is what we intend to do and this is the kind of empowerment that has sustainable integration,” he stated. 

    According to Nwiya, this is in pursuit of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) number 1 which borders on the eradication of extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less $2.15 a day. 

    According to him, building a sustainable means of livelihood is the world standard practice which NDIFTE pushes for. 

    He also urged other stakeholders and investors to partner with his organization to re-invigorate the cultural and economic life of the people. 

    Other events put in place to stir proper grassroot engagement include, boat regatta, wrestling competition, beauty pageant, festival parade and trade fair. 

    Others are festival golf tournament, novelty football match, polo tournament and more, all heralding the event to showcase the rich culture of the people. 

    The much anticipated twin event holds as follows; Investment and Economic Summit in Akwa ibom State in May 2024 while Niger Delta international Festival and trade Expo in Warri Delta state in December 2024.

  • Dafinone calls for calm over killing of soldiers, young men in Okuama crisis

    Dafinone calls for calm over killing of soldiers, young men in Okuama crisis

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has called on those involved in the ongoing carnage at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area to sheath their swords for the sake of humanity.

    He also called on the State and Federal Government to urgently intervene to de-escalate the criss which according to available reports has allegedly claimed more than 18 lives including that of soldiers.

    The leadership of Okuama Community had raised the alarm of alleged military invasion on Thursday  following a land dispute with neighboring community of Okoloba in Bomadi local government area which led to the death of three young men, with women and children displaced as well as many building razed.

    The Nigerian army in a statement by Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, alleged that Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers, who went on a peace mission were killed by Okuama people

    Senator Dafinone, while reacting to the report on the death of the soldiers, three Okuama youths and the alleged burning down of property in Okuama community, described the incident as very unfortunate.

    While sympathizing with the military authorities over the loss of their men, he called on them to observe the military rules of engagement while dealing with civilians.

    He also called on the leaders and residents of Okuama to remain calm, urging the Federal and State governmenit to expedite action to arrest the ugly situation from degenerating into another humanitarian crisis.

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    According to Dafinone,: “I want to appeal for calm by the waring factions in the unfortunate incident that occurred in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday and Friday leading to the needless death of about 18 persons including soldiers.

    “The federal government must as a matter of urgency set up a high power independent panel to investigate the remote causes of this crisis, in order to bring whoever that may be involved in the killing of Nigerian civilians and soldiers to be brought to book.

    “I wish to appeal to the authority of the Nigerian army to act discreetly in this situation , that they should not allow their emotions take better part of their professional judgement by toning down their operations and observed the rules of engagement while dealing with civilians at Okuama.

    “I also wish to call on our people in Okuama to shun any act of violence that could further escalate this crisis, which could have been avoided if both parties allowed reason to prevail.

    “The National Emergency Management Agency, should also reach out and provide relief materials to the people of Okuama, many of whom have been rendered homeless and are now living in surrounding bushes.”

  • Kalu hails diplomatic ties with Japan, says Nigeria ready for FDIs

    Kalu hails diplomatic ties with Japan, says Nigeria ready for FDIs

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu has asserted the readiness of the parliament to amend the extant laws to give more confidence in investors and allow for direct foreign investments. 

    Kalu also said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided the enabling environment and therefore, open to foreign investments. 

    The Deputy Speaker gave the assurance while speaking at the 64th birthday celebration of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan,  Prince Hiro Naruhito in Abuja. 

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Friday in Abuja explained that Kalu appreciated the long existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Japan, urging the Asian country and indeed, the global community to leverage the opportunities provided by the current administration and invest more in Nigeria.

    “I want to congratulate the king of Japan who turned 64. It’s worthy of celebrating. If you look around, you will see the level of acceptance. It shows we love Japan. 

    “We love Japanese and the ambassador. The relationship so far, we are the home for primary products but it’s about time we use their technology to add more value to their primary products. 

    “Lots of resources are here. Japan is blessed with technology. They have been doing well with military assistance, communication equipment and the rest of them. We want to do more.

    “This place is now open for business. The President is in charge. He is a president that came out of the private sector. He understands the role of the private sector in any economy. Japan should not be left out. I trust the ambassador here, his relationship skill is wonderful. I know he’s going to convince a lot of them in Japan to come on board with foreign direct investments because soft landing has been created. The willingness of the President to make sure that every bottleneck is removed is guaranteed. 

    Read Also: Nigeria contributed immensely to unity, political stability in Commonwealth – Kalu

    “We can assure you from the parliament that every legislative impediment that will affect investors coming into our country, we are willing to finetune the laws to make sure through legislative interventions that will give more confidence to investors like those coming from Japan.

    “On behalf of the legislature and government, we are inviting Japan as we celebrate the birthday of their king. Nigeria awaits more investments. We will continue to improve on our sustainable diplomatic relationship with Japan and nothing will break that.

    “Let us make sure this relationship will reduce our unemployment rate, through innovation that will be ushered in by the technology that’s found in Japan. What innovation does is that it questions tradition and ushers in more productivity. 

    “Finally, with the desire of the current administration to fight food insecurity, it’s about time we have a strategic relationship with Japan to be able to produce more food for our people to drive away hunger,” Kalu said. 

  • Tinubu has given us mandate to complete all legacy projects in Niger Delta, says Ogbuku

    Tinubu has given us mandate to complete all legacy projects in Niger Delta, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said that President Bola Tinubu, gave the commission the mandate to complete all abandoned legacy projects in the region.

    Ogbuku assured that following the directive, the commission would complete its Regional Specialist Cardiovascular and Orthopedic Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers state and partner with medical experts to run the facility.

    Speaking after inspecting the Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital, Ogbuku assured that the project would be completed and fitted with the best medical equipment before the end of the year.

    Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the executive director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai and other directors of the commission, explained that the health facility would also meet international standards.

    The NDDC boss in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said: “We need specialists who will work with us on this project. President Bola Tinubu has given us the mandate to complete all legacy projects for the people of the Niger Delta region and we are committed to ensuring that we discharge our responsibility in this regard.

    Read Also: Tinubu has made development of tourism sector a priority – Wike

    “NDDC will go into partnership with specialists that will put heads together to put the finishing touches to what is on the ground for proper services. We will not be able to handle that aspect and that is the reason we will bring people with international pedigree to run the facility.”

    Ogbuku noted the inherent dangers of cardiovascular disease and the rampant cases of accidents saying the current NDDC Board would put an end to the problem of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta region.

    He said: “This is a massive project and we will endeavoür to complete it for the benefit of the people of the region and other Nigerians.”

    Briefing the Managing Director on the project, the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, affirmed that the specialist hospital would have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

    He observed that the hospital, with Orthopedic and Cardiovascular units, would deal with the correction of injuries to the skeletal system, associated muscles, joints and ligaments, while the cardiovascular unit would treat heart problems prevalent in the region.

    Antai noted that the hospital would bring quality healthcare closer to the people and enhance the federal government’s capacity in healthcare delivery.

    He said: “We want a situation where inhabitants of the Niger Delta would access world-class medical facilities within the region.”

  • Ex-agitators commend Tinubu over appointment of Otuaro as new amnesty boss

    Ex-agitators commend Tinubu over appointment of Otuaro as new amnesty boss

    South South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, one of the campaign arms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 election, Pastor Reuben Wilson, has expressed satisfaction with appointment of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro as the new coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP.

    According to the former freedom fighter, the agency will begin to have a fresh and reinvigorated start, says the South-South Coordinator of the The Asiwaju Group (TAG), Pastor Reuben Wilson.

    Wilson, who is also the founder, Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA), has been on the forefront of campaign for the removal of the immediate past coordinator, retired Gen Barry Ndiomu.

    On Thursday, Tinubu announced Otuaro, a former activist in the Niger Delta as the new helmsman, a development that Wilson said was in the best interest of the region and its people, particularly beneficiaries of the amnesty scheme.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu mourns Olubadan Lekan Balogun

    He said in a statement on Friday that Otuaro’s appointment “is of great joy to me because you are ‘a round peg in a round hole’. You have been part of the struggle for the survival of the Niger Delta people from the beginning and therefore, knows what to do to revitalize and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “You are adequately prepared and has the requisite experience and knowledge to successfully pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty office. I’m incurably optimistic that you shall successfully redeem and redirect the office to achieve its primary and fundamental objectives and programmes. 

    “I know that with your appointment as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the era of the true beneficiaries of the programme being abandoned and relegated to the background while non-beneficiaries getting included in the programme and being given priority attention is over .

    “You played a crucial role in the activities that led to the establishment of the programme and therefore, wouldn’t allow the programme to continue its derailment and bastardization under your watch. I wish to also use this medium to profoundly thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.” 

    Wilson, a former freedom fighter, who commended Tinubu for choosing someone he called one of the best hands in the region for the office, said: “Mr President has once more, eloquently demonstrated his knack for identifying and appointing talented and competent people to drive his vision for the betterment of the country.”

    He said Tinubu had demonstrated that he was a listening president, having heeded wise counsel on the need to have people in Otuaro’s ilk, to be in charge of the federal government agency.

    He said: “I commend you wholeheartedly your Excellency, Sir, for listening to the yearnings of the true beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme by appointing a thoroughbred and well-prepared stakeholder to pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty Office.”

  • Gov Otu appoints Nation’s correspondent as CPS

    Gov Otu appoints Nation’s correspondent as CPS

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the appointment of The Nation’s correspondent in the state, Nsa Gill, as his new Chief Press Secretary. 

    Until his appointment, Gill was the Cross River state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ). 

    The appointment which was with immediate effect was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government on Monday, March 11,:in Calabar.

    Otu who had earlier approved the appointment of 83 aides reassigned his former CPS, Emmanuel Ogbeche to the post of special adviser, media to the Governor in Abuja and Linus Obogo as special adviser, media and publicity.

    The governor also suspended Uko Inaku as chairman of Cross River Civil Service Commission while appointing Maurice Effiwat as the Acting chairman of the Commission.

    Read Also: Ramadan: Fintiri urges religious tolerance

    Also, he confirmed the appointment of Mr Abang Otu as the State Chief of Protocol and Mr Edwin Okon as Chairman, Cross River Internal Revenue Service.

    While congratulating the new appointees, Otu wished them success in their new portfolios.

  • IWD: Olokode-Ayelabola urges Tinubu to implement 35% affirmative action

    IWD: Olokode-Ayelabola urges Tinubu to implement 35% affirmative action

    Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has added her voice to celebration of the 2024 edition of International Women’s Day anniversary with the theme ‘Inspire inclusion’.

    Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of Republic of Ireland mobilised and campaigned for Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll. 

    She led the celebration as a mother and behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, congratulating women all over the world and particularly in Nigeria for their immense contributions towards societal cohesion and national development.

    In a statement to newsmen on Thursday, she said:

    “March 8 is a day women are celebrated globally and today we thank God for counting us worthy to be alive to commemorate this auspicious day that seeks to honour womanhood, eliminate gender bias in the workplace, promote gender equality and create a socially-valued opportunities, resources and rewards.”

    While reacting to the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion, she emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

    “The 2024 theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. It also encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.

    “This is also a period to take stock of the work that needs to be done, and of course in Nigeria, we must redouble our efforts in engaging relevant stakeholders that can help in driving the processes of giving women our place of pride across the board. We need to continue to push until we change the mindset of people and improve the participation of women in politics and in other positions of leadership

    “God did not make a mistake by creating a woman. He didn’t create a woman to be trampled upon. He created women to be a help-mate, a partner in progress. This is also a reminder to Nigerian men and everyone to join hands together and move the issue of women forward,’’ she said.

    Read Also: Prevail on governors over financial autonomy for state Assemblies, PASAN begs Tinubu

    She appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step up the full implementation of 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership. 

    “It will be uncharitable for anyone to say President Bola Tinubu has not placed high premium on women empowerment in the scheme of things, however I am of the opinion that he should also speed up the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership. 

    “He is one leader known for recognizing the invaluable role women have played and still playing in advancing the progress of the country since independence.

    “I also appeal to this well-intentioned administration to focus more in appreciating the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented. 

    “The narrative needs to change in the positive direction for the womenfolk and truly women should be properly cared for, appreciated, celebrated and rewarded because of our pivotal roles in societal development and growth,” she stated.