The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Shell appeals asset sale judgment in favour of Rivers

    Shell appeals asset sale judgment in favour of Rivers

    Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Friday indicated that it would appeal the ruling of the Rivers State High Court which affirmed the enforcement of the purported sale of interests in SPDC’s JV’s assets in Kidney Island and specified interests in OML 11 to the Rivers State Government.

    The company said it was “very disappointed” by the judgment of the high court.

    The Media Relations Manager of the SPDC, Bamidele Odugbesan, said in a statement that the company ” has therefore filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution of this recent judgment issued by the Rivers State High Court on 13 August 2020.”

    He said that even before the ruling, the Rivers State Government had “filed a similar case at the Federal High Court, Abuja, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to direct the Minister of Petroleum Resources to recognise the same purported interest acquired through auction sale.

    “The RVSG withdrew the Abuja case  in July 2020 and refiled this new case at the Rivers State High Court without joining the Minister of Petroleum Resources. Curiously, an application by SPDC to join the Minister of Petroleum Resources to the suit for a just determination of the issues with all necessary parties was denied by the Judge who heard and determined the case within six weeks from when it was served on SPDC in July 2020. Under the Nigerian Petroleum Act, any acquisition or assignment of interests in a licence or lease must have the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

    “The root case, Chief Agbara and Others v. SPDC, which led to the purported sale of interests SPDC JV’s assets is still the subject of ongoing proceedings in several courts, including the supreme court, and it remains the position of SPDC that no payment is due and any purported sale or enforcement of payment is premature and prejudicial to ongoing proceedings. The auction sale is also being challenged on appeal by SPDC.

    “The root case has its origin in a spill caused by third parties during the Nigerian Civil War, a challenging period which resulted in significant damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. While SPDC does not accept responsibility for the spill, the affected sites in Ejama Ebubu community were fully remediated, and this was certified by the government regulator.

    “The claim for N17billion as damages was first brought by the Ejama Ebubu community against SPDC in 2001 in the Federal High Court of Nigeria. In 2010, the court gave judgment against SPDC and awarded the claim without SPDC being given reasonable opportunity to defend the facts of the case. Indeed, this case has focused too long on procedural issues and not on its merits – we have always been clear that we are ready to defend this case based on the available facts.

    READ ALSO: FG shells out N2.2tr to states govts as palliatives

    “SPDC appealed the 2010 judgment and obtained an order to stay the execution of the judgment upon the provision of a bank guarantee issued by First Bank of Nigeria Limited in favour of the claimants. Despite this matter being the subject of ongoing proceedings in the Nigerian courts, the claimants went ahead to seek to enforce the judgment in both Nigeria and England.

    “The English court last year rejected the claimants’ attempt to enforce the Nigerian court judgment in the UK, referring to a ‘breach of natural justice’ in the proceedings against Shell in Nigeria. The English court also found that the claimants had “materially over-stated” the value of the judgment which the claimants admitted was  N34.716billion. The court therefore ruled that it would not be just and convenient for a Nigerian judgment to be enforced in the UK which the claimants acknowledge is “miscalculated”.

    “On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja issued an order attaching the sum of N182billion in First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s statutory account with the Central Bank of Nigeria in favour of  Ejama Ebubu community in Rivers State.

    “SPDC and other parties affected by the March 2, 2020 order of the Federal High Court filed separate appeals, as well as applied to set aside the order and restrain its execution pending the appeal decision. In accordance with the spirit of fair hearing in the Nigerian judicial system, we remain of the view that until the pending appeals are heard and determined, SPDC is not liable to make any payments, and therefore none any of its assets or interest should not be attached to satisfy the judgement.”

  • Ebonyi judiciary workers embark on strike

    Ebonyi judiciary workers embark on strike

    Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

    Judiciary workers in Ebonyi State on Thursday began strike to demand improved welfare.

    The workers urged the government to implement the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CJSS).

    At the state judiciary headquarters, no worker was sighted within the premises.

    But some youths clustered around the gate. Policemen were also at the gate.

    The workers, about three weeks ago, issued a 21-day ultimatum, for the state to implement the CJSS.

    Vice President of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (Southeast) Mark Ifezue said the national leadership mandated workers to withdraw their services pending implementation of the wage structure.

    Read Also: Panic as suspected IED discovered in Ebonyi market

    He said: “I am here to show solidarity with the workers over the implementation of their salary structure. This package worked for all judicial workers in Nigeria, both at the federal and state level.

    “Virtually all states are implementing the package but Ebonyi has refused to do that. The workers have been on this  struggle since 2015 and nothing positive has come out of it.

    “I am here as a messenger of the National President, Comrade Lawal Mustapha. We have had series of meetings and agreement with the government but it always reneged…”

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Cletus Ophoke said workers on strike at this pandemic time was regrettable and ill-advised.

  • Bayelsa election: Tribunal sets Aug 15 for judgment

    Bayelsa election: Tribunal sets Aug 15 for judgment

    Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has set August 15 to rule on an election matter.

    The suit is between Vijah Opuama of Liberation Movement and Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Governor Douye Diri and Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

    Opuama is challenging the declaration of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as governor and deputy governor.

    Read Also: Bayelsa schools ready, safe to reopen, says Diri

    The case was initially dismissed as dead on arrival by PDP leaders but after a careful scrutiny, lawyers indicated otherwise.

    Opuama is seeking Ewhrudjakpo’s disqualification for irregularities in his academic qualifications and the cancellation of the election.

    He prayed the court to order a fresh election, saying the poll did not comply with the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    Since the judgment day was made public, anxiety seems to have pervaded the state.

    But Ewhrudjakpo said there was nothing to be afraid of. A statement by his media aide, Doubara Atasi, said: “Governor Ewhrudjakpo remains unruffled. There is nothing to be afraid of concerning the judgment. I believe the judiciary will do the right thing and as far as the right thing is done, there is nothing to be afraid of.”

  • Obiano suspends 12 more monarchs

    Obiano suspends 12 more monarchs

    Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has suspended 12 more monarchs for visiting President Muhammadu Buhari last week.

    The governor earlier suspended the monarch of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa, and withdrew his certificate, for alleged petitions from his community.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Greg Obi, said the monarchs were suspended for one year for visiting Buhari without approval.

    The monarchs are  Alex Edozieuno (Mkpunando); Mark Anthony Okonkwo (Alor); Chukuwma Orji (Ezinifite); G.B. Mbakwe (Abacha); Chijioke Nwankwo (Nawfia) and  Nkeli Nelly (Igbariam).

    Others are Anthony Onyekwere (Owelle); A. N Onwuneme (Ikenga); Simon Chidubem (Umumbo); S. O Uche (Ezira); Emeka Ilouno (Ifitedunu) and Peter Udoji (Eziagulu Otu).

    Obiano warned them to stop parading themselves as traditional rulers.

    Their membership of the Traditional Rulers’ Council was revoked and appointments in government committees cancelled.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill Obiano’s aide on security

    It added that the suspension might be lifted at the end of one year, renewed or upgraded depending on government’s review of their conduct.

    But three of the 12 rulers have described Obiano’s action as unfortunate, saying the governor was ill-advised.

    They said Obiano had no powers to suspend them for  seeing the President.

    “It’s laughable that our governor had to carry out this despotic action in a democratic dispensation. Why should a governor punish his subjects, especially rulers, for trying to see their President?

    “The government said we didn’t get clearance before travelling outside the state. Don’t we have our fundamental rights of movement and association anymore? Are we in a state of emergency or war?

    ‘’We pray Obiano will not attract some kind of wrath upon himself because of his desperation to perpetuate the infamous government of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.

    “Though we are traditional rulers, we have the right to support any party or candidate of our choice.”

  • NDDC IMC defies presidential order on scholarship students

    NDDC IMC defies presidential order on scholarship students

    By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

    The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has defied the order of President Muhammadu Buhari on payments of all fees owed to the commission’s scholarship students abroad.

    Following series of protests by the students over their abandonment by the NDDC, Buhari had given an express order to the Prof. Keme Pondei-led IMC to settle all outstanding financial obligations of the students to mitigate their sufferings overseas.

    The order was conveyed to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and was confirmed by the NDDC Corporate Affairs Director, Charles Odili, in a statement he signed on August 4.

    Odili had promised that in obedience to the presidential directive, the commission would pay the students’ entitlements before the end of last week.

    But investigations revealed that the IMC failed to honour Buhari’s directive fuelling criticism of the Pondei’s committee amidst alleged financial profligacy against the NDDC.

    Some of the affected students in the official Twitter handle of the NDDC Scholars 2019 lambasted the NDDC management for flouting presidential directives.

    “Do we have to pray for God to rain down his judgement on you guys before you do the needful. It is a pity you can’t obey the order of a whole President”, one of the scholars said.

    The students further debunked a statement by the Citizens Quest led by Christie Ndukwe that the NDDC could not pay because the money was inflated and there was a need to remove ghost names from the list.

    The students in their open letter faulted the claims saying the group failed to do due diligence on current and outstanding fees and allowances owed previous students under the scheme.

    They said: “For clarity, the scholarship sum is $30,000 which covers tuition and maintenance fees. Generally, the number of scholars each year revolves around 200. There are also outstanding PHD students from previous years, 2016 to 2018.

    “A simple arithmetic will show that the 2019 scholarship sum itself will amount to figures around $6million and adding outstanding PhD scholars from previous years will definitely push the figures higher in a situation where all 2019 scholars had utilized their scholarship. We wonder where the Citizens Quest got their $1.9million from”.

    The students lamented that the process of vetting the list had been ongoing for almost one year adding that besides the scholarship awards; each school verified the award letters from the NDDC before accepting the students.

    “Each embassy and high commission also verifies the scholarship letters and details before granting study visas. On the resumption in schools, scholars were mandated by the NDDC to upload tuition invoices and their new foreign bank accounts, foreign house address, foreign telephone numbers on a portal managed by the NDDC. Our schools always contact the NDDC requesting for our funds”.

    Reacting on the development, the Ijaw Forward Movement (IFM) wondered why the IMC appointed by the President would turn around to treat presidential orders with kid gloves.

    The National Coordinator, IFM, Alfred Kemepado, said in sane countries, disobedience to presidential order is the highest level of insubordination and attracts immediate punishment.

    Kemepado said it was unbelievable that the IMC members were quiet despite their flagrant disregard to Buhari’s orders.

    “The office of the President must be respected especially by his appointees. We will be doomed if the country degenerates to the level where the words of Mr. President are no longer respected. I call on the IMC of NDDC to immediately carry out the order of the President,” he said.

    Kemepado wondered why scholarship students sponsored by the NDDC, an agency created to develop the Niger Delta region, would be abandoned for over one year describing the condition of the students as embarrassing.

  • 50 Abia youths get N40m empowerment

    50 Abia youths get N40m empowerment

     Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

     

    FIFTY youths in Abia State have received funding from a Non-Governmental Organisation, Connak Foundation, after receiving training in various vocations.

    The foundation disbursed N40 million to them after the training.

    Speaking during the disbursement of the 2019 Connak Foundation Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Carole Emeka-Sunday said it was to empower youths not to depend on white-collar jobs for survival.

    Mrs. Emeka-Sunday said beneficiaries were trained in Information Communication and Technology, leather works, fashion design, auto- mechanic, furniture making, confectionery and food processing.

    She said: “In 2019, we carried out free medical and surgical services. Over 5,000 persons from the immediate community, the state and other states of Southeast, Southsouth and other parts of the country were treated free.”

    Read Also: No executive, legislature rift in Abia, says commissioner

    Mrs. Emeka-Sunday said plans were underway to train and empower more youths.

    In 2012, the NGO kicked off a “revolving loan” to widows and indigent women and later upgraded its intervention to skill acquisition,  scholarships and other empowerment and philanthropic schemes, including drilling of a borehole at the William Memorial and Adanma Okpara Secondary School and free medical care.

  • OML 11: Rivers secures judgment against Shell

    OML 11: Rivers secures judgment against Shell

     Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

     

    A High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled in favour of Rivers State in a suit against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Oil Mining Licence (OML) 11.

    Justice Charles Nwogu granted the state’s prayers in the case filed by the attorney-general and commissioner for Justice.

    Rivers prayed the court to compel SPDC to render accounts on and pay to the claimant accruals from the defendant’s continued appropriation of the pecuniary interests in OML 11.

    It asked for arrears of commercial rents for the use of the property from the date the deputy sheriff of the High Court of Rivers State issued title documents to the claimant till the defendant peaceably yielded up possession.

    Read Also: Lagos receives 16 vehicles from Shell

    Justice Nwogu held that the defendant’s “continued defiant appropriation, despite the completed sale of possessory and usufructuary rights, including pecuniary accruals in respect of its fixed assets comprised in its Kidney Island Base, Port Harcourt and interests in lands comprised in OML 11, infringes on the claimant’s vested respective rights to title and pecuniary interests therein”.

    He also said the defendant was bound to render accounts and pay to the claimant “all accruals from the defendant’s continued appropriation of the pecuniary interests in the said OML 11, including arrears of commercial rents for their use of the Kidney Island Base and Jetty from the date the deputy sheriff of the High Court, issued title documents thereon to the claimant until the defendant peaceably yields up possession thereof”.

    The court restrained the defendant or its agents from embarking on acts or omissions adverse to the title, right and interest of the claimant over the fixed landed assets.

  • Delta relaxes curfew, reopens markets

    Delta relaxes curfew, reopens markets

    By Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

    Delta has relaxed curfew imposed on the state following the COVID-19 pandemic.

    It further ordered the reopening of all the markets in the state.

    Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie in a statement on Thursday said: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans and residents in the State that Delta State Government has adjusted the curfew earlier imposed in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the earlier period of 7:00pm to 6:00am to a new period of 10:00pm to 5:30am.

    Read Also: I took black seed oil, herbal concoctions to beat COVID-19 – Oyo Commissioner

    “Furthermore, government has approved the resumption of normal trading activities in all markets across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

    “However, cinemas, bars in hotels and beer parlours remain closed while restaurants and eateries are to continue to serve their customers on take away basis, even as government would not hesitate to shut them down if they are observed to be in breach of the COVID-19 safety guidelines.”

  • JUST IN: Expect more developmental projects in Niger Delta – Buhari

    JUST IN: Expect more developmental projects in Niger Delta – Buhari

    By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

    Amidst clamours for urgent infrastructural development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that more projects are planned for the region.

    President Buhari gave the assurance on Thursday during the virtual commissioning of the new headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The President pledged that his administration would spend more on infrastructure development across the country, noting that more resources are being devoted to finishing projects delivered by local contractors and technology that create jobs for thousands of Nigerians.

    The President said the 17-storey building, known as the Nigerian Content Tower, with the full complements of a 10MW Power Plant and 1000-seater Conference Center, reflects his administration’s drive to provide infrastructure across the country to attract investments, create jobs and eradicate poverty.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari said the newly commissioned edifice would stand as landmark reference item to the years of oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities in the oil-rich region.

    ‘‘With the commissioning of this project, I want to highlight that we have put in place a landmark of reference in the Niger Delta to reflect long lasting legacies that signpost the years of oil and gas exploitation and I assure you that there is more to come,’’ he said.

    President Buahri used the occasion to express his delight that thousands of direct and indirect jobs were created during the execution of the project in addition to the various business opportunities.

    ‘‘This commissioning brings to the fore the importance of local content in all activities of our national life especially with the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

    ‘‘I believe strongly in local production and patronage of our goods and services as one of the surest ways to empower our citizens and give them viable opportunities to excel in their chosen professions and business endeavors.

    ‘‘That is why two of the Executive Orders issued under our government are related to enforcing local content in public procurement and contracts to further replicate the successes being realized in the oil and gas industry.

    ‘‘Local Content and Self Reliance are key principles of the recently approved 2.3 trillion Naira National Economic Sustainability Plan. The plan is aimed at the promotion of local production, local services, local innovation, and the use of local materials,’’ he said.

    Commending the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, as well as the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Board for this achievement, the President said:

    ‘‘The edifice we are commissioning today is a befitting birthday gift as you mark your 10th-year anniversary as a regulator and developer of local content in the oil and gas industry.

    ‘‘I am also pleased that this project has been delivered by local contractors supported by other local engineering and project consultants. We must all be proud that we finished what we started.

    ‘‘Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for being part of this historic moment even as I use this opportunity to thank the people of Bayelsa and congratulate them as the proud host of this landmark project in the heart of the Niger Delta.

    ‘‘It is with great pleasure that I am directing the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to commission the 10MW Power Plant, the 1000-seater Conference Center to be known as the NCDMB Conference Center and also commission the iconic 17-storey building to be known as the Nigerian Content Tower on my behalf,’’ he said.

  • No executive, legislature rift in Abia, says commissioner

    No executive, legislature rift in Abia, says commissioner

    By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

    The Commissioner of Information in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, has debunked rumours of rifts between the executive and legislative arms in the state.

    Our reporter gathered that the decision of lawmakers in the state to refuse screening the nominee for Transition Committee Chairman, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, has in less than 24 hours generated bad blood among the government circles.

    Many political watchers claimed it could have been a sign of a rift between the State Executive and the Legislative of government.

    Okiyi-Kalu, in a statement, said that the rejection of Chikamnayo, who until his nomination was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of the State on Communication and Strategy, has in no way affected the relationship between the two arms of government.

    Read Also: Abia Assembly rejects confirmation of Ikpeazu’s aide as committee chair

    “The Constitution provides for the governor to nominate certain cadres of appointees who will be screened and confirmed by the members of the State House of Assembly.

    “That provision was made for a reason and the governor has followed the due process of the law by making his nomination and submitting the name for confirmation by the State Lawmakers.

    “If the legislature through a screening decides that a particular candidate will not be confirmed, I am sure that they will communicate formally to the governor.”

    Asked if he thinks that it won’t be a slight on the governor that his nominee was rejected by the lawmakers, he  said: “It is the duty of the governor to nominate and the duty of the legislature to screen and confirm the nominee(s).”