The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Family of woman killed by kidnappers seeks justice

    The family of Mrs. Anna Ejiofor shot and killed by suspected kidnappers in Ikwerre area of Port

    Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has urged the security agencies to fish out her killers and make them face the consequences of their action.

    Family sources said Mrs. Ejiofor’s son Tobechukwu Andrew Ejiofor, Managing Director of Homes of Success Agro Farms Nigeria Limited, was kidnapped in 2017 then rescued by police.

    On July 4, this year, some gunmen presumed to be the ones who earlier kidnapped Tobechukwu, returned to the home of the Ejiofors at No 27, Pius Street Omademe in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state demanding to see Tobechukwu and his wife Latai.

    Rummaging through virtually everything in the house and failing to find the couple, the gunmen reportedly shot 78-year-old Mrs. Anna Ejiofor in the head. She died immediately. The Ejiofor’s home was also set on fire.

    It was gathered that other occupants of the house and neighbours took to their heels on hearing the assailants’ gunfire.

    The anti-kidnapping unit of the police who are still investigating the incident are yet to apprehend the kidnappers, said the family members.

    The Ejiofors have sustained their prayers for God to bring the perpetrators of this evil to book within a short time.

    They have also asked the relevant authorities to apprehend the killers of their matriarch

  • 20 benefit from N12m ‘agripreneur’ grant

    Twenty graduates of an Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC) sponsored ‘agripreneur’ scheme have become beneficiaries of N12 million business support grant from the committee.

    The beneficiaries, who underwent one year intensive training in cassava, plantain and aquaculture production, were unveiled and presented with the grant of N600, 000 each, at a ceremony in Warri, Delta State.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chairman of IRDC, Austin Oniyesan, explained that the N12 million grant was given to the beneficiaries to enable them to use agriculture and agribusiness as means to generate income and provide employment for youths.

    Oniyesan commended Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the PIND Foundation and members of his executive committee for making the pilot programme a huge success.

    He advised the beneficiaries to reflect on the experiences they garnered during the training, even as he urged them to make good use of the start-up grant.

    In his address, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, explained that the Agripreneur Project was specifically designed to empower youths, “in target RDCs to embrace agriculture and agribusiness as an income-generating activity, provide opportunities for stimulating socio-economic development in the selected communities, offering secondary benefits to the larger society as a whole”, as well as “boost the availability of agriculture produce for local community suppliers”.

    Mr. Brikinn, who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA, Field Operation, Warri, Mr. Sam Daibo, noted that CNL partnered IITA in the Agripreneur Project, “to stimulate socio-economic development in the Regional Development Committees under the Global Memorandum of Understanding”.

    While noting that opportunities for large-scale employment of labour in the oil and gas industry are “extremely limited”, he revealed that another set of 40 people are set to commence Agripreneurs’ training.

    The Youth Consultant, IITA, Arome Alfa, stated that some of the graduates have already commenced agro-based production as a result of the training programme, adding that the Agripreneur initiative has the “production and design into value addition and service provision”, stages.

    Four of the graduates; Jemide Joseph, Austin Ikpi, Oris Ugbameta and Blessing Afini, shared their knowledge in plantain, cassava and fish production as well as plantain micro-propagation.

  • Two inmates regain freedom in Akwa Ibom

    De Norsemen Kclub Incorporated (DNKI), Akwa Ibom chapter has secured the release of two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ikot Abasi, by paying the stipulated fines attached to their sentences. The gesture was part of the organisation’s events to mark this year’s World Humanitarian Day on Monday.

    While receiving the freed inmates, the Governor, DNKI; Akwa Ibom State chapter, Dr. David Umoh advised them not to go back to crime or risk facing another period of incarceration or worse.

    He also advised other inmates of the facility to put their faith in God and remain hopeful for a better future, adding that their time behind bars should serve as a lesson for their past mistakes.

    In his remarks, the International President DNKI, Mr. Adeshola Giwa, who was represented by the Director Project K9, Saint Kingsley said the gesture by the Akwa Ibom chapter of the organisation was in line with its project K9 which he said was aimed at de-congesting prisons and enhance reintegration of former convicts to their relations and the society.

    Furthermore, the Deputy Legal Adviser of DNKI and Coordinator of Project K9 in Akwa Ibom State Alfred Effiong, a lawyer, stated that apart from their effort at de-congesting prisons, they would also work towards offering pro bono services to inmates who do not have or cannot afford legal representatives and ensure justice is not denied them.

    One of the inmates who spoke on behalf of others expressed gratitude to DNKI for volunteering to pay the fine option for two of them, as well as the food items and toiletries they brought. He revealed that the gesture was a confirmation that there is hope for those in correctional facilities.

    Assistant Controller of Prison (ACP) Effanga Effanga, the officer in charge of Ikot Abasi Correctional Centre praised the group for the gesture, even as he called for similar support and collaboration from other groups and well-meaning Nigerians.

    High point of the event was the formal walk out to freedom by Inyeneobong Joshua and Lucky Amos (m) whose fine options of N120, 000 and N130, 000 were respectively paid and a release warrant secured by the Norsemen Kclub as well as a financial start-up package that would fast-track their reintegration into the society.

    Both of them expressed profound gratitude to the organisation for their kindness and pledged to stay away from crime.

  • ‘We must protect our forms of cultural expression’

    Former General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chief of Training and Policy (CTOP), Army Headquarters, Maj-General Moses Obi (rtd), has stressed the need to protect the different forms of cultural expressions such as languages, arts, crafts, lifestyles, especially by those in the Diaspora.

    Obi, who is the Chairman of Ochibe Boki, an umbrella body of sons and daughters of Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, gave the advice during their New Yam Festival, even as he added that as technology and globalisation tie the world’s cultures and communities ever closer, the responsibility of each one to guarantee and protect the well-being of values must be respected.

    “We must zealously guard and promote the values we cherish as we care for the sick, sustain our institutions, support the elderly, feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger, no matter where they come from.

    “The idea that we are our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper reinforces us to treat others as we would want to be treated. In good times and in periods of hardship the Boki New Yam Festival has always reminded us of our roots; not only who we are, but also what we can be.

    “Every August, we gather to celebrate a story that has endured and is endearing to us as a people. Often, the ritual of our celebration itself has reflected the pain and sacrifice of the times. It’s a message that says no matter who we are or where we are, no matter the pain we endure or the wrongs we face, we are called to love one another as brothers and sisters.

    “As technology and globalisation tie the world’s cultures and communities ever closer together, the responsibility of each of us to guarantee and protect the well-being of our values must be respected. That is why in our celebration there is the need to protect the different forms of cultural expressions–languages, arts, crafts, lifestyles–especially by those in the Diaspora.

    “Cultural diversity gives our life its richness, its colour and its dynamism. We live in a time when more than half of the Boki sons and daughters are under the age of 40.  We have a responsibility to make sure that all of our young people have the tools they need to start new ventures.

    “Many of our young people are already doing this. Within Nigeria and around the world, one of the extraordinary things that I have the opportunity to do is to meet young people in every region of Boki and to see the problem-solving and the energy and optimism that they bring to everything they do.

    “And part of our jobs, part of this annual celebrations is to make sure that we’re putting more tools, more resources into the hands of these young people who are changing the world. We are to make sure the young people know one another, make responsible use of Social Media so that they may share best practices and ideas,” Obi, who was a Force Commander of two United Nations Missions/Operations in Sudan and South Sudan, said.

  • How Edo celebrated Oyegun

    The Edo State Government has celebrated the 80th birthday of the state’s first Executive Governor, Chief John Odigie Oyegun with pomp and ceremony. The elaborate ceremony held in Benin-City.

    The streets of Bénin-City and the city centre, the Oba Ovoranmen Square were adorned with birthday poster of Chief Oyegun, who is the oldest serving former governor in the state. His administration was truncated by General Sani Abacha and he fled into exile to join the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) movement.

    As part of activities to celebrate the birthday, a golf tournament was organised and the tee-off was attended by prominent citizens such as the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Minister designate, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Senator Domingo Obende, among others.

    Prizes were given to winners at a colourful ceremony held at the Bénin Golf Club.

    Addressing reporters in Benin-City, Chief Oyegun thanked God for his life, expressing delight that God has kept him alive to celebrate 80 years of age.

    He described the golf tournament as a great honour to him and one he will remember for long. He said: “Most of my friends are golfers and they chose to celebrate with me this way. I thank them all; Benin Club and the Edo State Government for backing and funding this competition. This is a great honour to me at 80 years.”

    Shaibu explained that the golf tournament for the state’s first civilian governor was to honour his contributions to national development.

    “We chose to celebrate Oyegun with this golf tournament because golf is a game of life and friendship. We thank God for his life. As a government, we will continue to tap from his experience,” he said.

    On Monday, the Saint Paul Catholic Church was filled to its capacity as traditional rulers, politicians from different political parties, ordinary citizens and professionals from various walks of life converged to celebrate Chief Oyegun. It was an event that was beamed live to the world.

    Traffic officers had a hectic time controlling cars that were arriving at the venue.

    In his homily, Bishop of the Benin Diocese of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Obiora Akubeze, said Oyegun was a rare bred politician that joins politics not to confuse the people but to convince the electorates.

    Bishop Akubeze described Oyegun as the best politician Nigeria has produced and man that is living out his faith.

    He said: “I salute the courage, audacity and goodwill of Chief Oyegun. He is one of the few former governors I know that are living out their faith. He is a member of St Vincent Society of St Paul Parish. He sits with members to screen people who have come to ask for assistance. His position has never made him inaccessible to anyone. He is one of the most easily accessed highly placed politicians. He does not ignore a person. He respects both the poor and the rich.

    “Oyegun has shown that we must thank God always. We must learn to thank God for His benevolence towards us. Whenever we received what we want, we never go back to thank God.

    “Peace comes from justice. Our political leaders must know that anyone who wants peace must work for justice. Our political leaders must work for justice for every Nigerians irrespective of political parties, ethnicity and religious backgrounds.

    Justice brings peace. Nations only develop when there is peace. If we want Nigeria to develop, we must work for justice so that we can have peace.”

    Governor Godwin Obaseki said the state government sponsored the birthday celebration in line with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem that “the labour of past heroes shall never be in vain.

    ”At present, we are here to celebrate our own Chief Odigie-Oyegun. On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I want to congratulate you on your 80th birthday.

    “For your contributions and what you have done for our dear state, I have decided to name the public service academy, which is under construction, after you. We know your passion for public service; we know and acknowledge the contributions you made to public service in Nigeria. “Therefore, we have decided to name the edifice which will be completed within the next 60 days, by the grace of God, after you. President Muhammadu Buhari will come to inaugurate the academy, with you standing beside him. It will be known as the John Odigie-Oyegun Institute for Public Administration.”

    The institute, according to the governor, is on “three floors and is made up of large training rooms that will host 220 people. Two halls hold 118 people each. There are seven training halls that will host 58 people each.  There is a library, a sick bay, a cafeteria and 12 offices. This facility at any point in time can hold and train a minimum of 900 people. It will be the largest facility for training public servants in Nigeria.”

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Uche Secondus, described Oyegun as a national leader that must be celebrated.

    Secondus said the birthday was attended by leaders of various political parties because of what Oyegun represented and believed in.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose speech was read by Gideon Ikhine, an Engineer, said Chief Oyegun earned his confidence as military President between 1976 and 1979 through dint of hard work and resourcefulness.

    Chief Obasanjo said Oyegun demonstrated rare qualities of commitment and courage by always upholding the cherished tradition of the public service and his performance as Permanent Secretary on Economic Matters was outstanding.

    He said Oyegun deployed sound knowledge and wealth of experience in economic development matters such that the administration’s policies were appreciated and understood by the populace.

    Former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said Oyegun distinguished himself as a career civil servant and the celebration was to give honour to who honour is due.

    Other dignitaries that attended the event were wife of Edo State Governor Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Betty Akeredolu; Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Okiye; the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, Minister Designate, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq; National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus; representatives of Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II; former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, Commissioners and members of Edo State House of Assembly, among others.

  • Cross River flood victims appeal to Fed Govt for help

    Victims of flooding in Cross River State have appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid to ease the hardship they experience at the moment.

    The victims from various local government areas of the state, who spoke with reporters during an assessment tour carried out by the Acting Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Princewill Ayim, lamented that they have lost so much.

    A rice farmer in Ogoja Local Government Area, Mr. Jude Odey, said he lost all his property in early August due to downpour that caused the flooding.

    According to Odey, his rice farm of about two hectares was also swept away by the flood.

    “Following the downpour in August, I lost my house and my rice farmland. Sadly also, I and my family have been squatting in my grandfather’s house because no assistance has come my way,’’ he said.

    Read Also: JUST IN: INEC sacks Cross Rivers REC

    Mr. Benjamin Obi in Boki Local Government Area said the flood destroyed his cocoa farmland.

    He begged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to help him purchase new cocoa nursery for another planting season.

    In Abi, Obubra and Ikom local government areas, victims affected by the flood disaster also made similar appeals, urging that they also be assisted with relief materials to ameliorate their sufferings.

    Mr. Patrick Asikpo-Okon, a victim at Ibom Close in Calabar Municipality, where over 10 houses were destroyed, said he lost his credentials and other valuables to the flood.

    “The heavy rain of July wreaked havoc on the street. I lost my valuables because I was trying to rescue my little children from being swept away by the flood,” he said.

    Another victim, Mr Alfred Odey, resident at the Cross River University of Technology quarters in Calabar South, said the rain displaced his family, forcing them to relocate from the campus.

    The Acting Director-General Ayim, said flood has destroyed over 70 houses and rendered over 510 people homeless in 11 local government areas between May and now.

    Ayim, who said that no life was lost, called on NEMA to respond timely to alleviate the sufferings of the victims.

    “The Disaster Risk Management seasonal rainfall predictions done by Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the National Hydrological Services Agency on the annual flood outlook of 2019 predicts some states to be probable flood zones, of which Cross River is among.

    “Areas expected to have high rainfall will have effect on some zones such as Cross River and we are praying for prevention rather than response.

    “The state governor is doing a lot to respond to the plight of these victims across the state, but the load on us is much. We are appealing to the Federal Government to come to our aid,’’ he said.

  • Move to safety zones, Delta advises flood-prone communities

    Delta State has urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer areas.

    The state government said this decision is based on the warning by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) about the rising levels of water, especially the River Niger.

    This was made known by Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu shortly after the maiden State Executive Council (Exco) meeting in Asaba, the State capital.

    “Currently, we had the inaugural executive meeting; a lot of far-reaching decisions were taken and we resolved that we enlighten our members about the warning by NEMA that flood is rising and our people who are living in flood-prone areas should, as a matter of urgency, relocate to safer areas.

    Read Also: Buhari sympathises with flood victims

    “Our governor, Ifeanyi Okowa presided at the Executive meeting and the issue of safety of our people in riverside communities was seriously discussed; measures are being put in place to ensure that the flood situation is properly managed. Recall that our governor was very proactive in managing the flood situations in the previous years and we are calling on our people to start relocating now,” Mr. Aniagwu said.

    The Commissioner for Works, James Auguye, revealed that the Executive also approved the construction of two more storm drainage to channel water “from Okotomi axis in Okpanam to terminate at Iyi Okwu Stream and another from the Specialist Hospital to drain into the storm drainage on Ralph Uwechue Street.”

  • Tillers, fishing gears for farmers, fishermen in Cross River

    The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has donated tilling machines to 80 farmers and fishing gears to 90 fishermen from Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar-South local government areas of Cross River State.

    Deputy Director, Department of Economic Empowerment of the ministry in Abuja, Mr. Philip Ndiomu said as part of the economic plans of the Federal Government, they were not only reaching out to business owners, but also to farmers and fishermen.

    Speaking while handing over the items to beneficiaries in Calabar, he explained that the tilling machines, which were simple to use, would take over the jobs hoes and cutlasses do in the farms, and would enhance productivity.

    He said the fishing gears, including nets, hooks, floaters, sinkers and twines were demand-driven, and most of the beneficiaries were displaced people of Bakassi, who are predominately fishermen.

    Ndiomu said the only cost attached to the tilling machines, which were simple to use and maintain, is the petrol to power them. He further said for a litre of fuel put into the machine could till about two hectares or even more depending on the terrain.

    “We hope it would also boost production because farmers would be able to work on a larger scale, produce more, take care of their families and contribute to the food security of the country.

    “For the fishing gears, they are demand-driven facilities. They were things that were requested for specifically by the people. For now, we are also concentrating on the Bakassi returnees. There was a time we conducted a needs assessment in Bakassi and this was one of the things they said they required.

    “So, it is based on their needs that the government wants to meet. For the fishing gear, we have 90 beneficiaries. For the tillers we have 80 of them,” he said.

    The member representing Calabar-South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Apostle Essien Ayi, said the programme from the Niger Delta Ministry, was his constituency projects embedded in  last year’s budget.

    Ayi, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta, said empowering the people in such manner was better than putting up projects which deteriorate over time due to lack of maintenance.

    “This is part of the 2018 budget which I was able to put for the constituency which I represent which is Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi. You are conversant with the history of the displaced people of Bakassi and predominantly, the people are fishermen.

    “So, I felt whatever I can do to cushion the effect of their suffering, I should be able to do for them. I had to, within my project; include fishing gears which would aid them in their profession. I also looked for fishermen in Akpabuyo and Calabar South. I had to spread it for the three local government areas and I made sure that the people who are real fishermen are nominated.

    “By the grace of God, I was reappointed Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta. So, for the next four years, you will see more of this. I also had these tillers, which are farm equipment to aid the farmers. You know we are trying to diversify from oil economy to an agrarian economy. So, those items would aid the farmers in tilling their farms and have a good harvest. It would help them to have a good yield,” he said.

    Ayi said the fishing gears cost N50 million, while the tilling machines cost N150 million, but the budget had not been 100 per cent implemented yet.

    He said at the moment he could not ascertain the level of percentage of implementation until he goes for oversight function to the ministry, even as he said he was not sure the implementation was up to 50 per cent.

    Elder David Bassey Effiong, a farmer from Akpabuyo, who received a tilling machine said: “I was given this machine to enable me to till my farm. Before now, I was using hoes to till my farm. I am sure this tilling machine will help me to do my farm better. I appreciate this gesture and I hope they will do more for us.”

    Also Sunday Omini Ibiang of Calabar-South expressed gratitude to the ministry for the gesture, saying, “I am happy and glad for having this. Before, I was using cutlass to do the farm work. Now, I will be using the tiller for my farm work. It will make me work faster and the productivity would be very high.”

  • Amaechi: elite must stop fanning embers of discord

    The immediate past Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has advised the elite not to heat up the polity by fanning the embers of discord among Nigerians, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU.

    Minister-designate Rotimi Amaechi has cautioned the elite against fanning the embers of discord.  The ex-Rivers State governor spoke when he was hosted by the British Business Group in Lagos.

    He added that the myriads of social crises in the country were traceable to the failure of the elite to provide proper leadership for the people.

    Amaechi, who spoke about his achievements as governor, his stewardship as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and his four years as Minister of Transportation, said the elite must find a way to unite the people to have peace of mind.

    He said as governor of Rivers State, he built model schools, which saw parents withdraw their children from public schools, adding that his administration’s security architecture was able to restore peace in Rivers State.

    He explained that his disagreement with his former boss, ex-Governor Peter Odili was on principle. He said Odili advised him to challenge his disqualification as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2007, but later advised him to withdraw the case. He rejected the advice and that, according to him, was the point at which they parted ways.

    On the widespread rejection and eventual suspension of the RUGA settlement programme, he said: “This has robbed the country of several benefits. RUGA would have been a successful programme if those that brought the concept had adequately enlightened Nigerians on its workability.

    “If you’ve been to Israel, there are farm settlements. And it is a mistake on the part of the governors who came up with the idea, because they did not explain it well. As a governor, if you know that you’re not an expert in certain areas, the first step is to get those who are experts in that area. And when you know that you have little knowledge of a concept, you sit down to be lectured.

    “Because the concept was not properly explained to the people by the governors who initiated the idea, Nigerians said they didn’t want RUGA. What is RUGA? It is simply farm settlements.

    “I build 10, 000 hectares of land. I provide water, light, roads, schools, markets, accommodation and hospitals on that land. Then I look for 1, 000 people to work on that land. I ask each person to take 10 hectares of land and farm on it. As a governor, I have two options. I may buy your produce from you and sell. Or I allow you to sell. But if I buy from you, you make more profit.

    “But many Nigerians said ‘no, no. it’s for cattle.’ What if it is for cattle? We have a national emergency. People are being killed daily. These men have no other jobs and they must eat.”

    He added that the programme was suspended because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s democratic disposition.

    ”If it was a madman that is in charge, he would have insisted on RUGA and people would have followed him,” he said.

    He went on: “If we had provided for the poor at the time we were supposed to provide for them, create an economy that is productive, give them good education and make them employable, then their security would have been guaranteed. Crime would have reduced. You could drive to your house at 2:00 a.m. and it wouldn’t be a problem. In Nigeria, we are even afraid of the taxi driver. So, we created poverty and the consequence is insecurity.

    “What RUGA set out to do was to create an employment opportunity for as many people as possible that can take to farming. It is unfortunate that many people regarded it as a ploy to empower the Fulani people. Some people started playing politics with RUGA, saying all sorts of things.”

    He warned Nigerians, especially the elite, to stop fanning the embers of ethnic and religious discord among the people, adding that such could turn different ethnic groups against one another.

    “If there is a war today, some of us will travel out of the country. But how many ordinary people will be able to travel out? I witnessed the civil war as a child. I would not want to witness another war as an adult. We must stop creating ethnic and religious divisions among our people,” he said.

    On the traffic gridlock at the Apapa Port in Lagos, he asserted that the only enduring solution to the unending challenge is the Lagos-Ibadan rail service.

    “That is the only solution,” he noted. “We were heading to the port. It is unfortunate that I am no longer the Minister of Transportation. But if I retain the same position as Minister of Transportation again, by September, I will be pushing everybody to get to Apapa Port.

    “Initially, the rail system was to stop at Ebute-Metta. But I said I have never seen a country where the rail system would end in the town; it must get to the seaport. So, we awarded a contract for the seaports–Apapa Port, Port Harcourt Port, Warri Port, Calabar Port and Onne Port,” he said.

    The minister-designate said the container-laden articulated vehicles that clog Lagos roads should ordinarily be put on the rail tracks for onward transportation to Ibadan, and from there to other parts of the country. He added that once such cargoes are being transported by rail, the pressure on roads would stop and the roads would be back to normal.

    “We’ve awarded the contract from Ibadan to Kano for 5.3 billion dollars. We are expecting a loan from the Chinese government. If we’re able to get that and we construct the rail from Ibadan to Kano, the problem in Apapa would have been significantly reduced,” Amaechi said.

    He said another challenge was the inability of the country to establish a National Single Window, even as he noted that Nigeria has remained the only country in West Africa without such a system in place.

    “National Single Window is the synchronisation of the process of clearing of goods,” he explained. “What that means is that, as soon as your goods are on the ship, before the ship gets to Nigeria, all the clearing processes would have been completed. In fact, in Benin Republic, if you don’t get your cargoes out in 24 hours, there is a park where they are kept, so that the seaport would be empty.

    “We fought the battle until the last meeting we had. We couldn’t agree, as each person tried to tilt the argument his own way. Eventually, that has been passed. When the new government assumes duty, depending on who the Ministers for Finance and Transportation are, they would need to sit and agree on the modalities for the establishment and operations of the National Single Window.

    “As soon as your goods arrive, they are cleared immediately. There are tracking systems that would monitor your goods from the port of origin to Nigeria. And there are investors that are ready to put down their money, but government must play its part,” he noted.

    The suspended RUGA programme was to have farm settlements and ranches built on several hectares of land acquired by the Federal Government in the states, while schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure would be constructed in such communities. Herders and their cattle were to be restricted to those communities where they would have access to basic social amenities denied them by their nomadic lifestyles.

    Amaechi heaped the blame for RUGA’s rejection on the governors who came up with the initiative because they failed to explain its implementation clearly to the people.

     

  • Time to intensify Niger Delta development efforts

    Strong indications have emerged that the relative peace now enjoyed in the Niger Delta can be elusive. The reality is that beneath this camouflaged peace lie bottled-up emotions over pending environmental concerns and development matters.  It is a truism that youth restiveness, for instance, is simply hibernating and may be awakened for subsequent escalation into violence of mega proportion if the causes of persistent agitation in the region are not appropriately addressed once and for all.

    I was moved to X-ray this subject matter by a series of recent events in the Niger Delta region. Major national dailies have recently reported the dispute involving the host communities of Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, Ibie-Ama, Boro and Opu-Kula in Akuku Toru Local Government Area; Shell and Belema Oil on OML 25.

    As at May this year, the Federal Government was already reportedly losing over $700 billion since the shutdown of the station. This calls for serious efforts by the Federal Government in liaison with the state and local authorities and other community stakeholders to balance the disparity between oil exploration and the development of oil-producing communities.

    The issue of Amnesty in the Niger Delta Region began in 2007. As Commissioner for Youth Affairs in Rivers State under the administration of Dr. Peter Odili. I had series of meetings with different youth groups and came up with a proposal called Guns for Money.

    In June, 2009, the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua came up with the compassionate idea of presidential amnesty for the agitators, including rehabilitation programmes, education, training and cash payments to those who decided to surrender their arms. This gesture restored some stability.

    However, failure of government to sustain the initiative and lack of political will to holistically address the Niger Delta question despite the amnesty, gave birth to resurgence of agitation and insurgency as new agitators emerged in 2016, especially the Niger Delta Avengers with various demands.

    In November, 2017, Niger Delta Avengers blamed resumption of bombing of oil installations due to lack of commitment to the Niger Delta development by the Federal Government.

    Mr. Udengs Eradiri, the former President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, ascribed the renewal of insurgency to poor handling by the Federal Government of the agitation of the militant groups.

    Again, in May, last year, a coalition of agitators in Niger Delta, under the name Joint Revolutionary Council threatened to resume hostilities should the Federal Government refuse to accord the grievances and demands of the region necessary attention.

    Cynthia Whyte, the coalition’s spokesperson said: “There is nothing good to show in the region, in spite of the increase in the price of oil, and the relative peace that we have guaranteed in the Niger Delta. Poverty has been on the rise in the Niger Delta. Environmental degradation has become the order of the day, even as young people have resorted to illegal ways of fractionating crude oil to cater for their families.”

    To stop repeated bombing by the agitators, the Federal Government finally engaged the political and traditional leaders from the region in November last year, promising to renew commitment to infrastructural development of the region as well as the clean-up of the polluted Ogoni environment among other promises.

    During the 40th anniversary celebration of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in December last year, President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed cessation of pipeline vandalism in the region and thus assured that government would continue to engage the communities with a view to promoting peace.

    He, however, added that reforms in the petroleum sector “must not be rushed, if we must get it right. We are still suffering from the effects of many legacy policies that were rushed and passed without fully appreciating the consequences of the provisions embedded in them.”

    The fact that the President said reforms in the petroleum sector “must not be rushed,’’ does not mean ecological remediation and development in the Niger Delta must not be given accelerated attention.

    In spite of the truce reached with the region in November last year, the truth is that the atmosphere remains fragile, necessitating honest commitment regarding promises made by the Federal Government and intensification of efforts at the same time. Right now, youth restiveness is not yet over.

    The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently described the Gulf of Guinea as the most dangerous area in the world for shipping as 73 per cent of all sea kidnappings and 92 per cent of hostage-takings occur there.

    The Bureau revealed that armed pirates kidnapped 27 crew members in the first half of this year. Out of nine vessels fired upon worldwide, eight were off the coast of Nigeria and Nigeria reported 14 pirate cases of maritime attacks in the first quarter of this year.

    Also on Monday, July 29, this year, Task Force of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone shut down 10 telecommunications masts belonging to telecommunication companies in Bayelsa State following unresolved disputes on award of quick-win contracts.

    The task force set up by the IYC zonal Chairman, Kennedy Olorogun, picketed facilities belonging to MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9 Mobile and other telecommunications companies across Yenagoa metropolis.

    The shutdown and disconnection of the masts left subscribers stranded and the affected companies losing millions of Naira. The youth said they would no longer allow the companies to continue with the practice of awarding their jobs to only non-indigenes, especially contracts to supply diesel to their facilities.

    The Olorogun-led IYC has been at loggerheads with telecommunications companies operating in the state following discovery by the council that the firms engage only non-indigenes in their jobs and contracts.

    As a result of lack of responses to all the letters, Olorogun, in separate letters, issued 14-day ultimatum to the companies to act or risk disruption of their operations in the state.

    While I am in no way trying to justify the criminal tendencies associated with the genuine agitation of the people of the Niger Delta, the major permanent solution to youth restiveness and the attendant agitation and insurgency in the Niger Delta is genuine commitment on the part of government and oil companies.

    Good governance as exemplified by the conscious and quick provision of the basic needs of the people in terms of housing, health facilities, employment and education facilities, among others.will go a long way in pacifying the people.

    On the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoni, it’s worthy to note that, according to the report of UNEP 2011 assessment of locations in Ogoni land, rehabilitation of Ogoni land for full restoration might take up to 30 years. UNEP added that the first five years of rehabilitation would require funding of about $1 billion.

    In what could be regarded as good news, the Federal Government, in January, this year, renewed its resolve to clean up the Ogoni environment. This is indeed commendable as it confirmed government’s responsiveness to the plight of the Ogoni people.

    However, on January 14 this year, Ogoni leaders were quick to condemn what they described as ”flawed implementation of the UNEP, for clean-up of oil pollution in Ogoni land” over perceived compromise of the process as gazetted by the Federal Government.

    According to Senator Bennett Birabi, Chairman of the Elders’ Forum, rather than commence implementation with the proposed emergency measures, we have come to observe that after each tranche of funds released by the oil companies on the clean-up, the expenditure pattern has not only been opaque, but completely out of sync with the UNEP recommendations.”

    Despite all these, how is HYPREP really funded? How are the funds released for the implementation of the project? This is one critical area that the Federal Government and multinationals need to look into to enable the smooth and full implementation of the UNEP report which serves as a guide to the agency (HYPREP).

    This will, in turn, repose the confidence the people have in government again and the dialogue process will continue.

    Finally, I will advise that beyond the plan to spend about $1 billion on ecological remediation projects in Ogoni land, the Federal Government and oil companies must make overall development of the Niger Delta region as a matter of priority and urgency.

    A call for intensification of development efforts in the Niger Delta region to stem the avoidable Tsunami of youth restiveness with damning socio-economic implications is, indeed, an indirect patriotic call for redoubling macro-economic development efforts for our national stability.

    • Senator Mpigi Barinada, representing Rivers South Senatorial District, writes from Abuja.