The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Wike wants safe, healthy Rivers- Nsirim

    Wike wants safe, healthy Rivers- Nsirim

    Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim has said that Governor Nyesom Wike desires a safe and healthy state for all residents.

    Nsirim spoke at a meeting with managers of state-owned government media organisations in his office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The commissioner urged the media in the state to drive a conversation that would enlist the support of those living and doing business in Rivers to achieve the desired objectives of the government.

    He said: “We must use our media houses to make our people not to politicise what the Governor is doing in this direction.

    “Governor Wike means well for Rivers people. It is only a man who has the interest of the people he is governing at heart that will come up with that kind of New Year agenda.

    READ ALSO: Wike declares 19 illegal refinery kinpins wanted

    “Of course, we are all aware that illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries contribute highly to the environmental challenges we are facing with soot in the State.

    “And from the Governor’s new year broadcast, you find that there is a strategic move to end illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries in the State.

    “This meeting is to draw our attention to the fact that we need to play a very prominent role in advocacy, enlightenment and sensitisation of the citizenry to buy into this positive agenda of the government.

    “We owe our State that obligation to ensure that the State is safe and healthy so that people whose stock in trade is to always see no good in policies of government are shunned.

    “The people must shun all these naysayers. The people must shun those who are playing to the gallery, those who are looking for cheap popularity and publicity”.

    Nsirim charged the media to drive a conversation through their different programmes to help people understand that Wike had the best interest of the people at heart.

    “It should be aggressive. Let it permeate the minds of all those living and doing business in Rivers State that this is what we should all join hands with the government to do,” he said.

  • Ijaw Congress to Fed Govt: address environmental injustices in Niger Delta

    Ijaw Congress to Fed Govt: address environmental injustices in Niger Delta

    The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on the Federal Government to address “environmental injustice” in the Niger Delta.

    It asked the government to demonstrate regard for equity, justice and the federal character principle as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

    The President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made the call on Thursday when he led officials of the body to formally present a copy of the communique of the just-concluded All Ijaw Summit to the monarchs of Ekpetiama and Bomo Kingdoms in Bayelsa State, Bubaraye Dakolo and Joshua Igbugburu, respectively.

    Speaking during the separate visits to their palaces, Okaba said that 62 years after the 1958 Henry Willinks Minority Commission Report, the Niger Delta had remained more devastated and socio-economically and politically backward despite producing the bulk of the nation’s revenue from oil and gas resources.

    He noted that the problems of neglect and environmental injustice meted out to the region, which the icon of the Ijaw struggle, late Isaac Boro fought against, had remained largely unaddressed by the Nigerian state.

    Okaba stated: “The Nigerian constitution makes provision for equity and federal character.

    “At the summit, we observed that the Nigerian government does not respect these provisions.

    Read Also: Ijaw leaders, elders insist on self-determination

    “Is it because we are minorities? Sixty-two years after the Willinks Commission report, our people are poorer, more impoverished and our environment more devastated.

    “All the issues that Isaac Boro fought for, are even more germane than they were.”

    He pointed out that the key mandate of the resolutions of the summit convoked in Yenagoa by the INC with the theme, ‘The Nigerian State and the Ijaw Question”, was self-determination for the Ijaw people through diplomatic and non-violent methods.

    He added: “The right to self-determination is a right that is guaranteed by international protocols, conventions and laws.

    “The Ijaw nation gathered on December 4 and weighed several strategies and options and settled for non-violent and diplomatic approaches to self-determination. The Ijaw nation said it was time for self-determination, but we shall not lose any blood.”

    Okaba urged the Ijaw traditional rulers to mobilise their subjects for the emancipation movement that would commence soon.

    He stressed that “we shall go through peaceful means, not engage in warfare and will stop at nothing to achieve self-determination.”

    In their separate remarks, Dakolo and Igbugburu endorsed the new tactics adopted by the INC for the next phase of Ijaw struggle.

    They commended the INC for hosting a successful summit to galvanize the people into action.

    They also called for unity and love among Ijaw people in order to rescue Ijaw nation from ‘prison’, saying that “the time to fight for our right has come.”

  • Group mobilises for Akpabio, APC in A’Ibom

    Group mobilises for Akpabio, APC in A’Ibom

    A group in Akwa Ibom State has embarked on the massive grassroots mobilisation of youths for Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    The group, Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition ( AYC) concluded the inauguration of ward coordinators in all the local government areas in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on Tuesday, November 23.
    The state coordinator of the group, Mr. Akaniyene Umoh, led members of the group and supporters of Akpabio on a tour of the 10 local government areas in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and inaugurated ward executive members of the group.
    According to Umoh, the objectives of the group are to support, empower and mobilize Akwa Ibom youths for the minister.
    “The group is a pro-Akpabio group. The Minister has done enough for Akwa Ibom State. He has affected so many lives in the state more than any other politician in the state. This group is out to protect his name and legacies,” he said.
    Umoh, a politician with expertise in grassroots mobilisation and youths empowerment techniques, called on Akwa Ibom youths to be loyal and rally around Sen. Godswill Akpabio, noting that he is the undisputed leader of All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State.
    He said: “Sen. Godswill Akpabio is the leader of the party in the state. As the highest political office holder in the state, the constitution of the party is clear and unambiguous.
    “A state without an executive governor, the leader of the party is the highest political office holder. As a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio is the representative of the state in the federal executive council. He is the leader of the party”.
    He expressed optimism that Akpabio would empower all the youths in Akwa Ibom State and lauded Obong Mkparawa Emmanuel Inyangetor, Board of Trustees Chairman of AYC for standing firm with Senator Godswill Akpabio over the years.

    READ ALSO: NDDC: New terms  of reference for NDDC coming —Akpabio

    He urged all Akwa Ibom people to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against corruption.
    The inauguration of ward executive members of AYC saw the emergence of Comrade Harry Eduoh as Ika LGA contact person, Mr. Caleb Slyvanus, Oruk Anam LGA, Barr. Tony Udonsa for Abak LGA, Barr Kemfon Neke, Ukanafun LGA, Barr. Mfon Urom for Etim Ekpo LGA and Comrade Ndifreke Ibanga,Ikono LGA among others.
    In their acceptance speeches, all the AYC local government areas contact persons pledged to ensure that youths in their areas are mobilized to support President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Godswill Akpabio and All Progressives Congress (APC).
    They eulogised Senator Godswill Akpabio for the construction of roads, payment of bursary, building of hospitals, schools and commissioning of numerous projects in their areas when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
    In their goodwill messages Comrade Cross Ibara, Mr. Augustine Edem and others extolled the good leadership qualities of Senator Godswill Akpabio.
    According to them, the completion and commissioning of NDDC headquarters and Police quarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, further confirmed that Senator Godswill Akpabio’s plan for the Niger Delta region is that of development.
  • Pro-Akpabio youth group inaugurated in Akwa Ibom

    Pro-Akpabio youth group inaugurated in Akwa Ibom

    A socio-political youth group, Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) has been inaugurated in Akwa Ibom to shore up grassroots support for the Niger Delta Affairs minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    Chapters of the group have been inaugurated in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara local government areas with more in the offing.

    The State Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC), Mr. Akaniyene Umoh, in his speech during the inauguration of ward coordinators of the group, said the organisation was to ginger grassroot mobilisation for Akpabio and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to him, the group guaranteed equal rights and privileges to all members, with 12 executive members per ward, and is not in contest with any other group within APC in Akwa Ibom State.

    Umoh, a youth mobiliser, said Akpabio deserves all the support and encouragement for him to succeed as the Niger Delta Affairs Minister.

    He pointed out that Akpabio had served the State meritoriously and left outstanding legacies as a Commissioner, Governor for 8 years, Senate Minority Leader and Minister.

    Umoh, announced that AYC is a registered organisation with Emmanuel Inyangetor as chairman, Board of Trustees.

    He described Akpabio as a youth- friendly person, who has empowered Akwa Ibom youths more than any politician in the State.

    He said the main reason behind the formation of Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) is to ensure power return to the youths, youths get reward for loyalty and hard work, pledging to run transparent administration for the benefit of all the youths in Akwa Ibom State.

    He called for teamwork among the ward executive members and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of Akpabio as a Minister.

    Read Also: NDDC money not in East-West Road, says Akpabio

    Team of legal luminaries made up of Barr. Tony Udonsa, Barr. Mfon Urom and Barr. Kemfon Neke administered oath of allegiance and office to ward executive members of AYC in Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Obot Akara LGAs and charged them to be of good conducts.

    Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated executive, Mr. Ekemini Young for Ikot Ekpene LGA, Comrade Cross Ibara, Essien Udim LGA and Mr. Ndifreke Andrew for Obot Akara LGA, lauded the leadership of the group for the opportunity given to them to serve, noting that Senator Godswill Akpabio being a good man, should be supported to succeed in his assigned duties by President Buhari to transform the Niger Delta region of the country.

    In an interview with our reporter, Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) Essien Udim LGA contact person, Comrade Cross Ibara reiterated his readiness to work for the support of Sen. Godswill Akpabio in Essien Udim and other local government areas in the state, saying Sen. Akpabio is a brand that must be protected and has done tremendously well in repositioning the Niger Delta Affairs ministry, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Niger Delta region.

    Goodwill messages were received from Mr. Ndifreke Ibanga, Augustine Edem, friends and supporters of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio. They poured encomiums on Senator Godswill Akpabio and as Akwa Ibom State leader, they are ready to work and partner with him for the sustainability of his name, projects and to mobilize youths across all the state to support whoever he is going to throw his weight on in 2023.

    The inauguration of Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) in all the three local government areas of Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara witnessed high turnout of APC members, friends and supporters of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.

  • Massive surrender of terrorists means military is winning, says CDS

    Massive surrender of terrorists means military is winning, says CDS

    Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has said that the massive surrender of terrorists in the Northeast is proof that the military is winning the war against insurgency.

    The CDS spoke at the Warri Naval Base of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, shortly after an operational visit to a surveillance base at the Trans Forcados crude oil pipeline in Burutu council area of Delta state, Tuesday.

    The Trans Forcados pipeline is a major oil trunk line in the Niger Delta.

    He was accompanied by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam; Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Aminu Hassan; Commander NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulhamid Baba-Inna among other officers.

    Irabor said: “I’m sure you know that truly we are winning the war. Why? The pressures that you talked about compared to the past, are not as much.

    Read Also: How ISWAP killed Army General in Borno, by Ndume

    “And more so, you have seen reports of the massive surrender of Boko Haram terrorists among other things, so that’s an indication that we are winning the war.

    “In no distant time, we will see the totality of the end of such kind of criminality in that part of the country”.

    He added that the visit included seeing the troops and inspection of all formations and units involved in ensuring peace and security in the Niger Delta region.

    Commending the Commander NNS Delta and his troops for being “focused” in the activities so far undertaken, Irabor said “they know what is right and then, they are able to take proactive actions that have deterred any form of criminality in this area.

    “I think that it is something to be applauded and I have encouraged them to sustain the tempo”.

    Earlier, the CDS inspected the quarter guard at the Warri naval base.

  • 70 signatories for Niger Delta Peoples Charter

    70 signatories for Niger Delta Peoples Charter

    No fewer than 70 signatories, including representatives of ethnic nationalities and pan Niger Delta groups, are expected to sign the proposed Niger Delta Peoples Charter.

    President of the Niger Delta Congress, Nubari Sataah, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, shortly after the second imprimatur was done on Monday.

    According to the statement, a former President of the Nigeria Environmental Society (NES) and elder statesman, Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, signed the charter on behalf of Rivers State.

    This comes after Prof. Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa signed on behalf of Bayelsa State on November 4.

    Sataah emphasised that the charter will continue to other Niger Delta states to collate signatures.

    “The Niger Delta Peoples Charter will continue its journey to other Niger Delta states, to collate signatures. It is expected that 70 persons will sign the Charter, including representatives of all ethnic nationalities of the region and Pan Niger Delta groups,” the president stated.

    Read Also: Ijaw Forum hails monarch for honouring ex-Niger Delta militant

    Recall that the Niger Delta Peoples Charter, scheduled for unveiling February 23, 2022, will commemorate the 55th anniversary of the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic by the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro.

    It contains five critical demands, including the urgent need for the Nigerian Constitution to be revised as recommended in the recently convened national conferences.

    It should also be recalled that ethnic nationalities of the oil-rich region, under the auspices of Niger Delta Congress, had on October 8, in Yenagoa, adopted a charter of what they termed their “inalienable rights”.

    They warned that failure by the Federal Government to adopt a constitution that captures these rights in the shortest possible time would leave Niger Delta people with no option, “but to exercise our rights to self-determination as a people, independent of the Nigerian Federation”.

  • ‘Gov Emmanuel good manager of human, material resources’

    ‘Gov Emmanuel good manager of human, material resources’

    Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel has been described as an excellent manager of human and material resources.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made the commendation while fielding questions from reporters in Uyo.

    Ememobong said that his commendation was on the heels of the Governor’s demonstration of humongous capacity to harness potentials and mobilise resources to stimulate the local economy through the initiation of life-touching projects across different sectors of the economy.

    He re-echoed the achievement of the Emmanuel administration in infrastructure, industrialisation and agriculture.

    The commissioner stressed that the performance of the Governor has continued to attract the attention of local and international players, strategically elevating the State to a place of reckoning in terms of good governance.

    According to him:” The focus of this administration is to ensure that eighty percent of what we consume in the state are sourced and produced locally, that way, we can round-trip our monies and stimulate our internal economy.

    “By industrialising the State, which is the cardinal programme of Governor Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda, the aim is to create employment opportunities for gainful employment of the people, in order to increase their incomes, as well as their spending power, which is one of the ways to maintain a healthy GDP “.

    READ ALSO: Nsukka and Udom Emmanuel’s grand vision

    Also, the CEO of Orascom Properties and a freelance journalist, Mr. Majeed Dahiru, while speaking as a Guest Analyst during an early morning television programme, Kakaaki on AIT TV, recently, described Akwa Ibom as an “exceptional state “.

    While making a retrospective analysis on the issues of Internally Generated Revenues, IGRs, and the ongoing agitation by some Governors to have direct control over the deductions of Value Added Tax, VAT, Dahiru called on all state chief executives to show creativity by investing in critical sectors of the economy in order to expand their revenue base.

    According to Dahiru, “beyond revenue sharing from the federal government, every other state governor has largely refused to do business, except Akwa Ibom “.

    “Akwa Ibom State, today, has an airline, and if you hold a conversation with industry players and even passengers, they would tell you that the best airline flying the Nigerian skies today is Ibom Air, a state-owned airline “.

    “For a state government to be able to run an airline like Ibom Air, what that means is that, for every time someone flies the airline from any location, you are paying something into the coffers of Akwa Ibom state government, so the state earns a revenue from the airline outside crude oil revenue, and that is what states should begin to do now, and with time, the states would begin to depend less on crude oil revenue”.

  • Dikio unveils action plans for ex-agitators

    Dikio unveils action plans for ex-agitators

    The Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), has unveiled his next plan for ex-agitators, saying he would focus on wealth creation leveraging on partnerships that will have positive effects on the economy of the Niger Delta and the country.

    He said having laid the foundation in his first year with his outlined vision, the time for action had come to produce the desired result for the benefit of all.

    Speaking at separate meetings with leaders of the first and third phases of the PAP in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dikio said his quest to leave a strong legacy was driven by his passion for the development of the region.

    The amnesty boss, in a statement at the weekend by his Special Adviser, Nneotaobase Egbe, encouraged the ex-agitators to strive to see beyond the monthly stipends, to the economic opportunities around them.

    He said: “Within the short time I have, we will change things for the better. That is why we have changed the model of training that you get to the Train-Employ-Mentor model. The kind of training that will make you self-sufficient and qualified to have a job that you will be paid far above the N65,000; training that will bring more value to you”.

    The PAP boss disclosed that there were plans for a summit in Warri, Delta State where the delegates will be taught how to grow and manage businesses, and also highlight the opportunities in the city and the region in general.

    According to Dikio, the Niger Delta remained the richest place in the country, not because of oil and gas but its natural endowment, such as human capital, farm produce and fisheries, domiciled across the region and waiting to be explored by willing hands.

    He said: “We have to be competitive in the water business and take advantage of the blue economy. The Niger Delta is blessed with a lot of opportunities and we need to take charge.

    READ ALSO: Dikio hails Boyloaf for getting first-class degree

    “We are organizing a summit in Warri soon. Warri used to be an oil city with lots of activities but now it has become like a ghost town. We want to highlight what the city has, its economic importance and also for entrepreneurial purposes. We have to do everything possible to bring back businesses to the region.”

    “I keep saying this that if you are not providing service you can’t be rich. Once you have what you are offering and when you are able to take care of yourself, nobody can insult you”.

    In his remarks, leader of the first phase ex-agitators and National President of the Leadership, Peace, and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), Pastor Reuben Wilson, thanked Dikio for restoring their confidence in the PAP.

    He said in the past the programme was managed like a personal estate with the beneficiaries grossly shortchanged while others became billionaires but with the coming of Dikio “we now have hope because of the new vision”.

    In their remarks, National Chairman and Secretary of the third phase, Tonye Bobo and Elaye Slaboh, said in the last one year they had not embarked on any form of protest because of what Dikio had done to change their mindset.

    They said in the past street protests were regular for them but didn’t know that it was de-marketing the region and driving away businesses.

    The leaders made a number of requests including leadership training and empowerment, education and vocational training, and setting up a liaison office in Bayelsa.

  • Rivers: Rumueme’s Prince Wobo bags chieftaincy title

    Rivers: Rumueme’s Prince Wobo bags chieftaincy title

    The Apiti of Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, His Majesty Nyenwe-eli O. N. Nsirim, has conferred the title of Nyerishi Mbam of Eketa Clan (Oroagbolu Town) on a prince of the community, Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo.

    The ceremony was held at Nyenwe-eli O. N. Nsirim Palace Ikwerre Road, Rumueme in Obio Akpor LGA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Prince Wobo
    The Nyerishi Mbam of Eketa Clan, Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo.

    It was followed by a thanksgiving service at Christ Covenant Church of God International 251 Ikwerre Road, Oroagbolu Town.

    READ ALSO: Dele Momodu, wife to get Oluwo chieftaincy title 

    During his speech at the reception, Wobo expressed gratitude to God and his Eketa Clan for honouring the occasion.

    He said: “I am most graciously grateful to God and His Royal Majesty Nyenwe-eli O. N. Nsirim MON, Apiti of Rumueme Kingdom for performing the traditional assignment of coronation as Nyerishi Mbam of Eketa, Rumueme Kingdom.”

     

    Prince Wobo
    The Nyerishi Mbam of Eketa Clan, Adele Ayodele Sam Wobo and wife

    He thanked the Rumueme council of traditional rulers “for ensuring that the long process of coronation is done and dusted.”

    Wobo also expressed gratitude to the Eketa Clan, Rumueme Kingdom, other traditional rulers, special guests and friends and well-wishers who made it to the ceremony.

    Prince Wobo

  • Wike, Real Madrid sign cooperation ratification agreement

    Wike, Real Madrid sign cooperation ratification agreement

    Real Madrid and the Rivers State Government have signed a cooperation ratification agreement for the promotion of sport amongst children and youths at the Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt.

    The signing of the ratification of the framework for a cooperation agreement between the international football club and the Rivers State government took place over the weekend at the Auditorium of Real Madrid Sport City, Fuerzas Armadas avenue, 402, Madrid, Spain.

    Governor Nyesom Wike signed on behalf of the Rivers State government while Mr. Enrique Sanchez, the Executive Vice president of the Real Madrid Foundation and Mr. Jihad Saade, who is President of Interact Sports jointly signed the agreement.

    Wike commended the Real Madrid Foundation and the Interact Sports for the opportunity given to the Rivers State Government to partner with the Real Madrid football club in order to encourage Rivers’ youths to develop their talents and skill through sport.

    He said the State government was pleased to ratify the agreement with the Real Madrid Foundation and assured that everything has been done to fully kick-start the Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt.

    READ ALSO: Wike seeks upward review of revenue allocation to states

    Wike, who was accompanied by the Abia Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and the Rivers Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), explained that the initial intention was to admit only boys as students into the Real Madrid Academy but following the huge application received from prospective female students, the State government had to reconsider the policy.

    “We had to stop to include the girls. We are very ready to kick-start the school and we believe that this is a very good opportunity for our people. We are honoured to be identified with the Real Madrid, it is a good brand for us.”

    Wike reaffirmed his belief that sport is an important factor in social integration and in the promotion of ethical values such as solidarity, participation, team spirit, respect for one’s opponent and non-discrimination.

    The Real Madrid Foundation maintained its resolve to continue to promote sport amongst children and youths in the understanding that sport contributes to the comprehensive development of a young person’s personality, offering positive alternatives to situations of risk and fostering healthy habits and ways of life amongst children and youths.

    On his part, the President of Interact Sports, Jihad Saade, asserted that Interact Sport has been an active contributor to the dynamic transformation of Nigeria, moving forward with modernity without forgetting Nigeria’s rich culture and heritage.

    All the parties mutually acknowledged that they have the necessary legal capacity and authorisation to execute and subscribe to the protocol.