The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • ‘Why Niger Deltans must get modular refineries licences’

    ‘Why Niger Deltans must get modular refineries licences’

    Comrade Sebastian Agbefe is the President of Isoko Youth Agenda (IYA). In this interview with Southsouth Regional Editor Shola O’Neil, the public administrator speaks on issues that led to Biafra and other agitations, as well as award of licences for modular refineries in the Niger Delta

    On Isokos inclusion in the ‘Biafra map’

    Let me start by saying that when a group of people continues to feel marginalised and hurt, their desire is that government listens and resolves their challenges. When this is not done, they resort to extreme measure. This has become the lot of the South Easterners. We cannot condemn their struggle; but we frown at the deliberate inclusion of Isoko territories without requisite consultation.

    Note that Article 1 (2) of the United Nations Charter recognises the “principle of self-determination of peoples”, this however does not grant any group the right to arbitrarily usurp the self-determination rights of other groups. Article 19 of the African Charter frowns at the domination of a people by another group, while article 20 permits a people so dominated to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic and social development according to their own chosen policies. It is on this ground that I stress that the inclusion of the Isoko territories in the Biafran map without consultation is a violation of the Section of that Charter that so empowers Biafra to seek secession.

    The Isokos are not Biafrans and are not contemplating joining them. However, this is not to suggest that we are very comfortable in Nigerian. We are grossly marginalised irrespective of our heavy contributions to the nation’s treasury. In any case, if the need for a breakup becomes inevitable, the Isoko territory is large enough to become a sovereign nation of its own; our population in Delta and Bayelsa states is more than that of over 35 independent countries in the world and we have the resources to exist as a sovereign nation.

     

    Sectional agitations

    Isoko people believe in the unity of Nigeria; the problem is the inequality, lack of justice and fairness in the running of the country. Thus, there is no surprise that almost 57 years of independence and over 100 years after amalgamation, the need for stakeholders to discuss on terms of cohesion and national identity has taken the fore.

    This 2014 National Conference (2014 CONFAB) made some recommendations on how Nigeria can be restructured to achieve greater success. It touched on all aspects of the socio-economic and political challenges besetting the country such as resource control, fiscal federalism, devolution of power, creation of states, forms of government, revenue allocation, ethnic nationalities and the minority question, resolution of the herdsmen and farmers’ crisis and many more.

    But then as it stands, obviously too, these calls for restructuring have been sabotaged by some power mongers on grounds of ethnic and religious sentiments. Some stakeholders are against restructuring because of what they stand to lose. They have institutionalized corruption so much so that any deviation, for them will not augur well and there’s another bloc who are against restructuring because they want to retain the advantage of 19 states against 17. The National Assembly must refocus its energy on handling the restructuring question adequately.

    If you observe the terrain you will agree that the country currently sits on a keg of gun powder which can go off any time, unless our policies are restructured to accommodate equity and fairness in all aspects. The federal government must as a matter of urgency set mechanism in motion to enable the components of Nigeria to sit in a roundtable and outline the basis for our continuous coexistence or not. Agitations for secession would not have arisen if the country had shown sincere readiness to address the underlying problems that feed the agitations by separatist forces.

     

    On the fate of Isoko in Delta and Nigeria

    Let me begin with a gory tale: In the wee hours of June 13, 2016 a pipeline explosion rocked the peaceful community of Idheze in Isoko South Local Government Area. According to residents who witnessed it, pandemonium was let loose as sons, daughters, fathers and mothers could not remember family affiliations as they ran helter-skelter triggered by survival instincts. The explosion resulted in a fire outbreak that took many lives. But till date, neither remedial effort nor compensation has surfaced to tackle the spillage and most especially to address the well-being of the residents. In other parts, when same issues arise, the federal government is quick to set up committees to intervene.

    We have been abandoned and shortchanged in every aspects; our graduates can hardly secure employment in multinational corporations operating in our territories, our leaders are hardly considered for political appointments at the federal level, interventionist  agencies saddled with the responsibility of developing the Niger Delta are yet to give any meaningful attention to our territories etc.

    Before the discovery of oil in our communities our people were predominantly farmers and fishermen. Today our lands have been ravaged and our ecosystem destroyed by oil and gas exploration.  According to statistics from the National Flow Chart, Isoko region provides 28 percent of crude oil and gas to the Nigerian economy, yet no visible infrastructural development in place. The only federal presence in the Isoko territories of Bayelsa and Delta states are the two police stations in Oleh Isoko south LGA and Ozoro in Isoko north LGA.

    In the heat of militancy that resulted in the nation’s economic downturn, it was crude oil from Isoko’s eight oil fields in OMLs 26 and 30 that sustained the country. But today, those who took up arms against the government are better treated than the Isokos who were peaceful. How sad is that!

    It is also noteworthy that since the advent of democratic rule, nobody from the Isoko land in Delta or Bayelsa states has served in the Federal Executive Council. Thus, we have been absent for 18 years, when critical decision-making processes on issues that concern Nigeria are taken. We are addressed and treated as a minute minority ethnic group. Those who resort to violence and take up arms against government and oil installations are more recognized in the Nigeria’s big stage, while those who are peaceful in our call for development are relegated. I dare say that if this ill treatment persists, our people may begin to consider other options to gain attention.

     

    Modular refinery licences

    This is a welcome development because if our people are given the license to operate the modular refineries, the era of ‘pull-fire’ will be over and the menace of dangerous black soot in the region will gradually pass. However, it is painful to note that we are yet to see any indigene of the region that is given the license to own a modular refinery. If there’s any, it’s most likely one of those who do not identify with us. Bearing in mind that militancy sprung up in the region because of marginalization and exclusion of the people of the region in oil and gas business, it will be very disheartening to see modular refineries being operated in our territories by strangers. The FG must not failed to recognize that inclusiveness is paramount in these dealings, otherwise Isoko youths will strongly resist strangers operating modular refineries in our communities.

     

    Relocation directive

    The action of members of the National Assembly in stepping down the bill for the enforcement of the order for relocation of IOCs to their operational base did not only come to us as a surprise but clearly shows that the legislators are only out to frustrate the ongoing peace moves between the Federal Government and the people of the Niger Delta region.

    We believe that the directive is very necessary at this critical period of peace-building between the FG and the people for the purpose of fast tracking both human capital and infrastructural developments of the area. The failure of the IOCs to obey it is capable of igniting another round of crisis in the Niger Delta region. FG must reinforce its position on IOCs relocation before we start seeing the statement as a mere political trick against the people of Niger delta.

  • SS3 student wins N1m essay writing competition in Bayelsa

    A 16-year-old SS3 student of Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, Franklin Martin, yesterday won a one million Naira cash prize for essay contest organised for Senior Secondary Schools in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition, organised by an NGO, Robert Sunday Iworiso (RSI) Foundation, was aimed at encouraging creative writing amongst the youth in the state.

    The topic for the competition was captioned “Education as imperative for National Development for global relevance.”

    Martin, who spoke at the grand finale in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state, beat other 10 best writers selected from both public and private schools for the final.

    NAN reports that the second place went to Tamara Ayameiya of Biedomo Premier School, Yenagoa with a N250,000 while the third place went to Blessing Tari of Tari-pet International School, Yenagoa who received N150,000.

    The winner said the feat would propel him to do more in attaining his dreams and potentials.

    “I am very thrilled and thankful to God and the organizer for this huge opportunity and for taking a huge financial burden off my parents, especially at this trying time.

    “I believe the money will be judiciously used, especially on my education as I move on to the next levels and to the university,” he said.

    Mr John Iworiso, Director of the Foundation, said the competition was to discover and nurture gifted students in the state.

    “The competition is one of the several ways through which we hope to discover untapped talents from the creeks and farmlands of Bayelsa to the rest of the world.

    “We have engaged and inspired their minds as change agents and the true leaders of tomorrow for the state and Nigeria.

    “It is important to state that, with all that has befallen us as a people; education remains the key to the survival and liberation to the Niger-Delta region.

    “I urge you to continue to learn how to write as we make plans to make it an annual event for SSS 3 students,” he said.

    Mr Michael Afenfia, Chairman of the Organizing Committee praised the students for their outstanding performance.

    “Every student who sent in an entry is a winner. It shows that he or she is confident about his or her writing skill.

    “For those that did not win, I will say do not be discouraged. Take it as a challenge to perfect your writing and enter for the competition again in the next edition,” Afenfia said.

    Mr Bina Illagha, Bayelsa Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), urged students across the state to tap and key into the opportunity to build their career.

    Illagha also called on students to continue to improve their habit of reading and writing.

  • Ambrose Alli University Alumni America plans big for school

    The alumni association of Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma, North America Chapter has set a five-point agenda that will impact the university positively and bring development to the 36- year old institution.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the chapter in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States recently, Dr. Chris Akaeze, President of the AAU North America alumni listed some of the projects to include construction of hostel to ease the accommodation challenges faced by students, build health care centre to carter for the health needs of the Ekpoma community, award scholarships to brilliant but indigent students, educational exchange programmes that will see renowned scholars from the United States and Canadian universities visit AAU periodically to share knowledge with the University and library enhancement to ensure that the university community has access to scholarly publications to aid their studies and research.

    Dr. Akaeze said the alumni association will also be involved in mentoring programme for the students to enhance their chances of having successful careers after their graduation.

    “These programmes involve logistics, human capital, financial and material resources. You can be rest assured that the AAU alumni North America possesses the capacity to deliver on these projects,” Dr. Akaeze said.

    Other officers to serve the association included: Judith Roland, Vice President, Charles Ogbeifun, Secretary General, Emmanuel Osime, Treasurer, Alfred Anyia, Legal Adviser and Christian Oransaye, Assistant Legal Adviser.

  • In honour of Edo House hooligans

    In honour of Edo House hooligans

    Ours is a blessed nation. We are blessed with thieves, kidnappers and armed robbers. We are also blessed with educated illiterates—some of whom occupy leadership positions. Many of them are elected lawmakers, who have, however, turned out to be lawbreakers. A mischievous friend says but for parliamentary immunity, these hooligans, these barbarians, these rascals should be behind bars.

    My friend is in the same class with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who last week advised lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly to always use democratic means to effect leadership change.

    Oba Ewuare II did not mince words in describing their style as hooliganism and barbarism. He said he was not against leadership change but abhors frequent violent changes of the House leadership. The Oba was disappointed at the throwing of chairs and use of fisticuffs. He delivered an uppercut when he said these actions were alien to the prefix ‘Honourable’ they all love to attach to their names.

    With due respect to the Oba, I sincerely believe that these men behind the violent leadership change in the House deserve honour for their bravery. Their wives and children should be proud of their exploits. I was green with envy watching the scenes on television. Nollywood movies are not even that interesting. Great plots without scripting.

    From what I gathered, the speaker that was violently removed, Justin Okonoboh, was doing ‘chop-alone’. That is undemocratic. His traducers claim he was just ‘chopping the head of his life’ without carrying his colleagues along. Sacrilege!

    Okonoboh became Speaker July 25 last year after Hon Elisabeth Ativie stepped down as Speaker to balance power equation. She became his deputy and the two of them were booted out last week.

    Okonoboh, I learnt, would have lost the position last May but he postponed the resumption of plenary. He was very creative about the whole thing by saying he was effecting repairs in the Assembly complex. He was not lucky last week. Immediately he called for votes and proceeding of the day, the superb lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II, Emmanuel Agbaje, fished out a paper from his pocket. It turned out to be an impeachment notice.

    Okonoboh tried to silence him by shouting: “Sit down, I do not recognise you.” But that was not enough to stop this great actor— sorry lawmaker. Soon the maze was seized. Some other great actors— this word again, I meant to write lawmakers— rushed towards where Okonoboh was sitting and he ordered him to leave.

    One of his supporters, Damian Lawan, moved to checkmate them by aiming for the gavel which was later retrieved from him.  Okonoboh was pushed out of the Speaker’s seat by men whose children will always be proud of them for the televised show of shame— sorry, show of bravery.

    Okonoboh’s men were not done. After he read the handwriting on the wall and walked away from the seat, one of his supporters, Ezehi Igbas, attempted to stop Gallant Eruaga from sitting on the Speaker’s seat as Protem Pro Speaker. Igbas got the beating of his life from four men of honour and flee.  This will sure make a great script for even Hollywood. I am immensely proud of these guys.

    Their gallantry made Okonoboh leave the plenary. Within minutes, Kabiru Adjoto was sworn-in as elected Speaker. To show that these guys are geniuses, they made a former Speaker, Victor Edoror, Deputy Speaker. Edoror was removed as speaker last year over alleged high-handedness, dictatorial tendencies and financial recklessness. His sins have been forgiven.

    In the spirit of accountability, Adjoto froze all accounts of the Assembly. He also suspended Okonoboh, Ativie and Foly Ogedengbe, who was Majority Leader. He also ordered the Clerk to seize all official vehicles belonging to them.

    Ativie got a letter asking her to return the cars in her possession and she swiftly rushed to her lawyer. The lawyer wrote the clerk and claimed ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole had given her the official car she used as Speaker for her sacrifice in stepping down for Okonoboh to be Speaker.

    There is another heroic act that I must not forget to recall. After plenary, Adjoto and his supporters went to chase Okonoboh out of office. They made sure he did not leave with the official vehicle.

    Adjoto gave a speech worthy of winning a Grammy for Spoken Word. I have never seen a  more brilliant  speech before. I certainly will frame it and hang it on the wall of shame – sorry, hall of fame.

    Adjoto, who accused Okonoboh of desecrating the Assembly, said: “We came together to say no that the institution is more deserving to be protected than the interest of an individual. The wife has suddenly turned herself to the 25th member of the Edo State House of Assembly. We are 24 members but we were surprised that anything we discussed at the Executive Session, the wife will hear and start calling our wives to tell them what we discussed and they should tell their husbands not to do it.

    “The wife uses the Speaker vehicle and convoy as if she is Mr. Speaker. The other day the wife and his son used the convoy to the NYSC camp and all policemen stood at attention for her thinking it was Mr. Speaker. That is desecration of the parliament.

    “Mr. Speaker is not supposed to be a contractor but we discovered that he award contracts without due process. We have cautioned him severally. He refused to heed to our advice. We told him he represented an institution and he was our symbol especially with the way he conduct himself publicly.

    “He just came back from America where he said he visited eight states whereas he shut down the Assembly. We were not supposed to go for holiday but he shut the House because of his son’s graduation. He stopped us from working for Edo people. We have a government and governor that is working but without parliament no governor can work well. The governor need the suppprt and approval from parliament to function effectively. He is shutting down activities that is detrimental to the running of the state. The governor is working and it is our duty as a parliament to support him.

    “16 of us initially signed the impeachment notice. What we need is two third which is 16 members. After we finished, we are now 19 more than the two third requirements.

    “They have been suspended for a period of three months to give room for proper investigation of their activities. We need to set a standard for the House. The precedent Okonoboh met, he destroyed it. He is not doing anything to set new things. When you look at him, you think he is somebody who can perform as a medical doctor. He is weak but terribly dangerous.”

    My final take: With lawmakers like these, the good days – sorry, dark days– are gone and the light has come to stay in Edo House. There is now hope for the hopeless people. A special variant of democracy has also seen the light. The end will always justify the means. All hail the men of might in the hallowed chamber.

  • NIMET: Delta adopts measures to tackle flooding

    The Delta State government has  adopted  short and long term approaches to tackle the problem  of flooding in Asaba and other parts of the state, an official has said.

    In a statement in Asaba yesterday, Mr Sam Ijeh, the Media Assistant to the Commissioner for Information , said the  government’s action followed the warning by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that 16 states, including Delta, would experience heavy flooding within the year.

    Ijeh said part of the short term measures was the opening up and clearing of old canals as well as the construction of new ones in flood prone areas.

    “A 10km canal from Mgbalamgba to Iyeti Rivers for onward discharge to River Ase have been created in Isheagu, Aniocha South Local Government Area and another canal created in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

    “Existing canals in Koko, Agbor, Ughelli, Sapele, Agbarho, Anwai Camp 74, Warri and other towns have been cleared to ensure free flow of water.

    “Also, regular disilation of drains along Okpanam Road and the core areas, the creation of ‘catch pits’ in strategic locations, particularly the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Old Secretariat by Summit Road, Asaba and Airport Vie, off Okpanam Road,” he said.

    Ijeh said the state Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development and the Ministry of Environment were also tackling issues of buildings erected on natural waterways.

    He said the state chapter of Nigeria Society of Engineers  was collaborating with state government toward finding a lasting solution to the menace of flooding in the state.

    Ijeh said  government had engaged a Storm Water Consultant, Jefcon Consultant, to tackle flooding challenges in Asaba and its environs.

    “As a long term measure, the state government in May  reviewed the scope and cost of the continuation and completion of the construction of Storm Water Control in Direct Labour Agency Road/Jesus Saves Corridor, Asaba.

    “Work on the project will commence immediately the rains subside as advised by the contractor, who opined that some buildings in the area might cave in if it starts work during the rains,” he said.

    Ijeh also said the government had embarked on sensitisation of the public to warn those living in flood prone areas to move to safer grounds to avoid negative consequences of flooding.

    He added that people should desist from throwing refuse into the drains to avoid a repeat of the 2012 experience.

    Fears are already heightening as those who live and farm by the Asaba end of the River Niger told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the water level had started rising.

    According to Mr Batholomy Isichei, a farmer, the rising  water in the river is forcing  people to commence harvesting of the crops, especially potatoes.

    He said although the water had not reached a threatening level, there were signs that the water could rise more and as such people should take precaution.

    The Delta government also announced its readiness to seek partnership with the World Bank in funding job creation programmes in the state.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Agas, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba, when officials of the World Bank and European Union Implementation Support Mission to the state visited him.

    Agas said the state government placed high premium on job and wealth creation, adding that the state’s Employment Expenditure For Result (SEEFOR) intervention scheme had been aligned to the SMART agenda of the government.

    SMART means Strategic wealth creation; Meaningful peace building platforms; Agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation; Relevant education and health policies and a Transformed environment through urban renewal.

    “The SEEFOR project had created employment for over 5,000 youths and more than seventy communities have benefited under its Community Driven Development Social Component,” he said.

    According to Agas, over 112 people in the state now have access to socio economic infrastructure under the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in Delta.

    The SSG listed the state government’s achievements under the state Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS), including the installation of converged infrastructure.

    Others are the reconstitution of SIFMIS implementation team and reviewing of legacy SAP licence to a more sustainable 10- year agreement, with the state saving over 8.3 million dollars.

    Agas said the state was on track towards achieving its project development objectives and congratulated the World Bank on its position as Africa’s number one on the world’s disbursement score card for 2017 financial year.

    The leader of the World Bank team, Mr Ismaila Cessay, said the visit was to seek the Delta Government’s support, to assist the state to achieve its developmental goals.

    He said the World Bank SEEFOR was completely in alignment with the economic development programmes of Delta towards providing employment for the people through job creation.

    Cessay said SEEFOR would continue to partner Delta in the best policy interests for economic stability and to enhance growth and development of the state.

    He said activities of SEEFOR in the Niger Delta area included road maintenance, promotion of good environment and the enhancement of skills for the youth.

    Responding, the Delta Coordinator for SEEFOR projects, Mr Benson Ojoko, said the World Bank SEEFOR mission, which aligned with Delta Government project, was to support the state in its development.

    He assured of the government’s commitment to the actualisation of the objectives of SEEFOR and urged the World Bank to sustain the programme.

  • Why violence persists in Niger Delta, by don

    Professor Ibaba Ibaba recently spoke truth to power. Without fear or favour, the Professor of Political Science, in the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), identified the problems with Niger Delta peace and development.

    It was the 28th Inaugural lecture of NDU. The main auditorium of the university was set. Scholars, activists, politicians, lecturers, the clergy and people from various walks of life gathered and enthusiastically waited for the well-publicized lecture. The name of the lecturer was the main reason why they were gathered.

    In the academia, Ibaba is a household name. He is a fearless  and courageous speaker. Ibaba has done many thorough researches into the problems and solutions to issues of development bugging the region. He is, indeed, an authority.

    Little wonder, crowd of persons trooped to the auditorium to listen to a topic he entitled , “Mopping the Wet Floor While Overlooking Leaking Roof: Rethinking Peace-building in the Niger Delta”. How could the professor link a mere domestic chore like mopping a floor to the overall problem of violence and development in the Niger Delta region?

    The minds that attended the lecture debated the questions. They eagerly waited for the meaning of the symbolic title. The meaning later became clearer as the professor mounted the podium to creat a perfect linkage.

    Elucidating his points, Ibaba, whose speech was occasionally interrupted by applauses from the audience, opined that that the leaking roof symbolises the root causes of the Niger Delta problems. He said the unaddressed external issues acted as the propeller of violence and explained why bloody agitations had persisted in the region despite cosmetic efforts by various levels of government to address them.

    According to the professor, the leaking roof is the country’s perverted federal system of government that is yet to be restructured; ethnicization of resource allocation; the Petroleum Act, Land Use Act, Oil Minerals Act and Oil Pipelines Act, among others.

    He said: “Significantly, these issues are fundamental to peace-building in the region. First is horizontal inequalities (HI) among the different ethnic nationalities in the region, and the resultant suspicion, antagonism and fear of domination of one group by another.

    “The second point is the socio-cultural context of the region that has aided the total disregard and contempt for hard work, dignity of labour and the public good, and the production of personality traits that undermine peace and security.

    “Third is the crisis in the region, and the resultant poor quality of governance, service delivery, overt corruption and the consequent neglect of development. The fourth issue is overlooking the consequences of the violence such as the exposure of young adolescents and youths to violence and the subsequent neglect of behaviour modification in the peace building process.

    “The fifth point to note is the failure to integrate non-oil related but key conflict issues such as climate change into the peace building process”.

    His verdict: “I assert that overlooking the issues noted above has created gaps in the peace-building process. I, therefore, argue that overlooking these gaps is like moping the wet floor of a leaking roof while leaving the points of leakage in the roof unattended to.

    “The peace-building efforts will most likely be futile, the same way the owner or occupant of a house will continue to mop the floor without getting it dry if the leaking roof is not repaired or replaced.

    “Just as the woman in my village has not been able to keep her floor dry whenever it rains because of the failure to mend the leaking roof, the Nigerian state (at all levels – federal, state and local government) has for several years not been able to secure fundamental issues that created the violence and the consequences thereof.

    “My argument does not acquit the present state of the ethnic politics in peace-building. Peace contradictions and consequences of the violence are not addressed. Federal restructuring, resource ownership and control, industrialization cannot stand alone to promote peace in the region.

    “Treating them as stand-alone factors would mean not amending or replacing the leaking roof, and consequently the floor would continue to be wet; suggesting that the region would most likely be in permanent violence”.

    But Ibaba, also turned to political leaders from the region. He did not spare them as he lamented their huge appetite to convert public funds meant for Niger Delta development into their personal use. He gave instances of political leaders who excessively enriched themselves by diverting public funds to build personal estate.

    He insisted that criminal activities such as kidnapping, militancy, cult activities and others were only symptoms of the major problem which is failure of political leaders to utilise and mange resources for the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.

    He noted that while the usual narratives put the blame to faulty federalism, skewed resource allocation and ethnic and tribal politics, the reality was that of a political class that dwelt on ”bread and butter agenda”.

    According to him based on statistics, the six South-South states received over N2.5trn between 2000 and 2008, the highest by any geo-political zone, yet there was nothing to prove that the area had progressed more than others.

    The professor, who is also the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, lamented that leaders were in the habit of spending few resources on elitist, white elephant projects that had little effect on the quality of lives of the people while the rest went into private pockets.

    He said a research he initiated discovered that most adorn, gigantic mansions around all the state capitals of the region were all owned by past and immediate political leaders of the region.

    He said: ”For lasting peace to reign, there is the dire need for self disciplined, honest and patriotic followership and leadership to mend the leaking roof rather than mop the wet floor.

    ”I want to urge the Federal Government to change its current method of snake head theory in which the leadership of some protesting groups are compromised or intimidated to a more holistic strategy of providing quality governance by using the nation’s resources to enhance the lives of the citizens.”

  • Wike’s development-centered politics

    In today’s Nigeria, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is known to be the pillar of the opposition.  The platform on which the revival of Nigeria rests.

    Therefore, all his actions  are monitored  closely  by the opposition and key figures in the ruling party. His steps are significant as they determine the direction of the opposition.

    When live pictures began to emerge from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday, 19th August, 2017, millions of Nigerians  were pleasantly  surprised to see that Governor Wike was amongst  the dignitaries  on hand  to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Governor Wike’s  presence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and later at the Presidential Villa sent a clear message to the political  class.

    Though we may belong to different political parties and persuasions, we share  a common nationality, we share a common  humanity. What affects one person, affects the other.

    Our differences, the governor’s presence dictated, should not stop us from seeking national development, strengthening   inter-governmental ties and making government relevant to the governed.

    Wike’s politics is totally focused on development  and the welfare of the  people. This  political  principle  has guided his  political  actions over the years.

    As a master strategist, he takes deliberate  steps that  strengthen  the ties of friendship and unity to the benefit of the good people of Rivers State.

    On his  presence to receive President Buhari, Governor Wike  said, “We are happy, that he is alive and that is why l am here today to rejoice with the family. We should not play politics with everything. We are here talking about health and irrespective of the party l belong to, you can see that l am here today to rejoice with the family. That is what it is supposed to be. Don’t play politics with health issues, don’t do that. So, irrespective of what is going on out there, one is happy to be here.”

    Secretary to the  Rivers State Government Kenneth Kobani explained it thus: ”

    I am a very happy Nigerian  today. The return of Mr President is indeed a thing of joy.Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations have every right to rejoice that he is back and looks hale and hearty. Our celebrations must also reflect our unity and diversity as a nation. He is our President.  Thank you Governor Wike  for being present at the airport to receive our President and father of the nation, alongside the Acting President  and some of your brother Governors.  This is how it should be.”

    By his presence at the airport ceremony marking the return of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Wike advised the leadership of the APC that beyond politics is the need to preserve Nigeria and always show respect  for constituted authority.

    The governor by his presence at the airport ceremony indicated  that the bonds of friendship , love and the pan-Nigerian spirit   must be consolidated  for the good of the country.

    As a leading opposition governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has always shown  maximum respect  for the Presidency.  He has friends  in the APC, working for the overall development of Nigeria. This has not  stopped  him from holding his political views in defence of Rivers State.

    Even when he disagrees with the Federal establishment of the country, it is usually on the basis of principles. The governor has never taken  the Presidency  to the  cleaners  as was the practice  by key APC chieftains during the previous era.

    Rivers State has suffered the most in the hands of the APC and their destructive propaganda machine. Officials of the  APC Federal Government sponsor negative media campaign against the state with the aim of de-marketing it. They incite violence and propaganda to undermine Rivers State and her people.

    Only recently, the Rivers APC worked negatively  to truncate the commissioning of projects by the Vice President.

    The APC  should learn   to de-emphasise selfish  politics, which relegates development  and  enthrones political advantage. It is true  that they gained political  victory  in 2015  through mischievous  and venomous propaganda, but the reality  today is different. They should face  governance  and start developing a Pan-Nigerian platform.

    This  is the time to heal a divided nation. This is a time to stop the lies and propaganda.  This is a time to cultivate  friendship  across party lines, while still maintaining  the distinct  features of individual  political families.  This is the time to  put Nigeria first and work for the people.

    APC is on its back foot today because  it thinks that governance is simply  acquisition of media mileage.  It has learnt  through  the hard  way that  performance remains the key factor to the growth of any nation.

    In summary, APC should learn from Governor Wike.  Governor Wike elevates the people more than  any other consideration. He respects our shared  humanity , more than  media mileage.  Now is the  time for APC  to face reality  and start working. Enough of lies and negative propaganda.

  • How to get us out of illegal oil refining, by Ogoni youths

    How to get us out of illegal oil refining, by Ogoni youths

    The hall was filled with Ogoni artisanal oil refiners popularly called “kpor-fire”. Minister of State for Environment Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibrin and his team were  their guests. The meeting was hosted by Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Dr. Marvin Dekil.

    At the meeting, which started by 7: 30 pm, the artisanal refiners openly informed the Federal Government that they would not leave illegal refining except they see commitment on the side of the government to empower them.

    They disclosed that  after some of them were delisted from pipelines surveillance by government agencies, illegal refining became the only source to earn a living, adding that it was from the illegal business that they carter for  their families.

    The artisanal refiners in Ogoni who were led by Mr. Elvis Ikoma and Domka Humphrey told Jibrin who represented the Federal Government on the consultative meeting that they can only leave illegal refining when federal government shows commitment on their livelihood.

    Though, they also told the minister that if they were not committed to support Ogoni cleanup none of them would honour his invitation, stressing that some of them have already left the illegal refining after Dekil approached them to stop.

    Humphrey said: “Sir, I will tell you our minds, if you don’t empower us we will not stop illegal refining, because this is what we use to feed our family and relatives. We don’t have anything doing after government takes away the pipeline surveillance from us.

    “So, we need to be carried  along,  some of us are graduates,  many people are still in the bush refining, if you empower us, we will talk to them and they will leave the bush. But where we are not seeing anything it would be very difficult for us to leave the illegal refining.”

    Dekil said: “As you are well aware, the United Nations Environment programme, UNEP report on Ogoni environment among other things recommended that efforts be made to draw those involved in artisanal refining away from such dangerous activities through awareness campaigns on the hazards they pose to the environment and human health.

    “The report also recommends alternative employment opportunities to be put in place for youths who had hitherto preoccupied themselves with artisanal refining. In keeping with these recommendations, we had earlier on 30th May, 2017 held a meeting with your leaders. At that meeting we explained to them the mandate of, HYPREP, the determination of the Federal Government in ensuring the mandate of HYPREP is realised and the health impact of artisanal refining of your health and the environment.

    “At the end of the meeting we tasked your leaders to liaise with you to identify the skills you would want HYPREP to train you in as alternative means of livelihood for you. We want to believe that assignment has been completed and the list of skills handy. In this second meeting with you,  we are glad that the Honorable Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jubrin Usman is present and his presence is a confirmation of the fact that the federal Government means well for you and we would not also expect less from you as regards the Ogoni cleanup project. We could not stop from appealing to you to cease from all sorts of artisanal refining both in your own interest, that of the environment and the overall economy of the nation.

    “The ogoni environment is already polluted and what we need now is remediation and not re-pollution. The process of remediation is rigorous and time consuming and in the Ogoni case, it will take some years to restore the environment. The implication of that is that a re-pollution is a further elongation of the time. We must therefore not sacrifice our present and the future of the next generation on the altar of instant gratification.

    Jibrin said he was happy that ex-artisanal refiners  opened up their minds, adding that illegal refining is not only  dangerous to the environment but to those who are engaging in it.”

    The minister promised that the Federal Government in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and the office of the HYPREP Coordinator will ensure that they are trained with the aim to secure their livelihood

    Jibrin said: “I have heard all of  you, I’m assuring you that the issue will get to the Acting President, but remember that  you have fishes of all kinds, animals, we cannot get them if you contaminate the water with hydrocarbon pollution. We need the mangrove, because we use it for firewood, but it is in our own interest to keep our environment clean, it is in our own interest to ensure that in whatever we must do we have to take care of our environment.

    “That is why the federal government has taken the issue of Modular refinery serious, it is community base, and it is authority. It is going to be regulated. There is need for us to organise ourselves into responsible cooperatives. Whether they are community or local government base but there is need to have something that would regulate us.  And with your support I am assuring you that the Federal government is determine through HYPREP to support your training and empowerment. But you must be at the front to drive the process.

    “We are out to make a difference, the life we live is for the living, and we can only live a good life if we are healthy, if we have something doing that can touch our lives. We cannot do anything outside our environment, we want Ogoni to be cleaned, this is our intention and this is what we are going to do. Government cannot create job for everybody but can create a conducive environment for people to earn a living.

    “The acting President had showed his commitment when he hosted the leadership of PANDAF headed by Chief Edwin Clark, all their demand were listed, you are aware that the Acting President had visited the Niger Delta. Many people talk about economy but I talk about environment because it is the responsibility of my office and my team to ensure that we have conducive, friendly and livable environment. But we cannot do that if we are doing certain practices that may not be healthy on the environment.

    “We will not be tired of talking with you, you will be the one to carry out the gospel, I saw spills and I have repeated this that I use to see fish fried with red and vegetable oil but I saw fish in Ogoni  fried with crude oil. When you see this kind of thing,  no matter how inhuman you are, it must touch your mind, the first thing I remember was our woman, daughters who have certain responsibilities going to the farm fetching water and firewood on the contaminated environment but how long are we going to continue with this.”

  • When sense goes sour

    When sense goes sour

    PERSPECTIVE

    Reading a recent attack on the person of Dr Dakuku Adol Peterside, Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, by Governor Nyesom Wike, through a proxy, Simeon Nwakudu, I felt obliged to render a voluntary duty, to state the facts in a simple, unambiguous manner, and next, leave the reader to the impartial judgment of the conscience.

    The style adopted herein presents both Peterside and Wike, their personalities, motives in the respective portfolios they hold, and then, testimonies about them in the public domain. I shall sum my argument to proving that Peterside is refined, responsible and an invaluable asset to Rivers State and Nigeria. On the other hand, the evidence I shall plead in my argument shall summarise Wike in his true person – an error in governance.

    While that treatise, tried as the author, a political appointee of Wike and therefore beholding to him, might, to arm-twist truth, there is no alternative to the truth. The truth is a healer of the conscience.

    First, who is Wike? What is his personality? There is no doubt that Wike’s character defines his personality. Sigmund Freud, the popular psychoanalyst, considered the father of psychiatry, argues that the adult personality emerges as a composite of early childhood experiences, based on how these experiences are consciously and unconsciously processed within human developmental stages, and how these experiences shape the personality, the case of Wike deserves a new research.

    But he stresses that not every person completes the necessary tasks of every developmental stage. Under such scenario, Freud argues that when they don’t, the results can be a mental condition requiring psychoanalysis to achieve proper functioning. Wike, through his actions, may be a good species for Freud’s further analysis.

    Now to the specifics of Wike’s barrage of lies. First, on the 2015 governorship election captured in the opening paragraph of the essay, never was Wike elected through a majority, lawful votes by the electorate.

    To state that Peterside visited the All Progressives Congress, (APC) National Chairman with bank statements and financial documents are nothing but a rehearsal of the Third Reich propagandist, Paul Joseph Goebbels, whose theory of “the big lie” sustained Adolf Hitler. This figment of the aide’s mind gives an insight into how Wike’s mind operates. Everything, including serious state business, must be reduced to cash and bank statements.

    As to what Peterside told the APC National Chairman, it was never in doubt that he narrated the horror members of APC had been through in the hands of armed groups working for Wike Administration for which the author works for and labours, albeit fruitlessly, to prop its obnoxious human rights records. Wike has the worst personality image hiatus among governors in Nigeria. No essay or whitewash coating or image laundering shall clean the horrible person that the governor is. The Bible had Wike in mind when the Spirit asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?…”

    Even national security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, said Wike sponsored violent activities and bought off people’s conscience with his stolen cash.

    Because of Wike, many civil servants working with INEC are not sure how their careers would end. They are before the court. Peterside was right when he said that Wike had brought the Office of the Governor in Rivers State to a state of disrepute.

    Then to the second, and the most critical question that I have to answer. Who is Peterside? What is President Muhammadu Buhari’s testimony about him? How impressed is the American Administration with Peterside?

    Peterside was the sole leading governorship candidate in Rivers State in 2015. His statewide acceptance and popularity drew crowds to his campaigns. Truly, he was the candidate to beat.

    Why was his popularity the threat Wike and his sponsors needed to crack? The single project Wike and those who sponsored him with stolen funds, bullets and arms, had was to stop Peterside by any means possible, including killing Rivers people.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, a man, not given to flippancy, unlike Wike, had this commendation for Peterside: “Peterside’s unanimous election (as Chairman, Association of African Maritime Administrators, AMAA) is not only a personal honour and an affirmation of confidence in his ability to lead AAMA but also places Nigeria in a pivotal position to rally other maritime administrations in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) towards safer global maritime activities.” Unfortunately for Wike, nobody has such presidential commendation for him.

    President Buhari had acknowledged NIMASA’s encouraging performance under Dr Peterside especially in the fight against sea piracy through inter agency cooperation. There is indeed a new NIMASA under Peterside, but it is a story of hard work.

    NIMASA under Peterside has a new direction unlike the cash cow it was under Wike’s boss and benefactor, Goodluck Jonathan. NIMASA was their ATM that the national waterways were one of the most dangerous in Africa after the Strait of Somalia, Africa’s most dangerous. But under Peterside, NIMASA today is the beautiful bride while Nigeria’s waterways, including those in Rivers State, enjoy safety.

    Peterside’s testimonials also have international recognition. Wike won’t like to hear this – the United States has recognised his exploits at NIMASA. Hear the verdict from America – “It appears the energy that NIMASA has at the ports is very tremendous, as seen in all the ports we visited in Lagos.”

    The United States Coast Guard (USCG) led by Commander Thomas Foster, on a visit to Nigeria, commended NIMASA for its strides in ensuring safety at the ports and expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure development regarding ISPS Code implementation in the ports. Through NIMASA, Nigeria now has about 80 per cent compliance rate for the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS Code.  Wike won’t understand this term.

    Under Peterside’s watch, NIMASA has targeted 100 per cent compliance.

    While Wike is revoking Certificates of Occupancy of business chains in Rivers State, Peterside is pursuing Nigeria’s common good, creating jobs for thousands of Nigerians, including Rivers natives.

    Wike is ignorant of the role of NIMASA so he should read up the function of a maritime administration and he will surely join to celebrate this pride of our country.

    While Wike has borrowed billions under two years, Peterside has moved NIMASA to a giant revenue earner for the country. My summation in this matter is simple.

    Peterside did far more in communities in Rivers as Commissioner for Works than Wike did as Governor in two years. Peterside’s imprint can be seen in all parts of the state till date many years after serving as commissioner.

    It is dismissible and laughable for Wike to say that Dr Peterside has a retinue of Nigerian Navy personnel attached to him. Though his office as NIMASA Director-General offers him enormous access to Nigeria’s top security apparatchik, yet he maintains a simple security apparatus. This cannot be said of Wike who moves with about 221 police officers. Peterside had never returned home with naval men. He does not need to. He is at home with the people.

    Wike is what Peterside has described him to be – a huge joke in governance in Rivers State that must be stopped.

    • Ibitari is the spokesman of APC Youth Advocates
  • UNICEF, EU battle water-borne diseases in Bayelsa

    UNICEF, EU battle water-borne diseases in Bayelsa

    The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is worried about water-borne diseases in the country especially in the Niger Delta region. The UN interventionist agency is particularly concerned that lack of access to potable water has led to deaths among infants.

    UNICEF in partnership with the European Union (EU) is deploying environmentally-friendly technology, resources and expertise to reduce and gradually eliminate water-related diseases killing children in various states in the Niger Delta.

    Therefore, UNICEF as a matter of policy, collaborates with government at all levels to set standards for water and sanitation systems and supplies, and supports them with innovative approaches such as Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS), a non-subsidy approach to promoting improved household sanitation like latrines.

    The UN agency also helps build capacities of water authorities to improve provision and management of water facilities (boreholes and protected hand-dug wells depending on geology of the area) to schools, health centers and rural communities.

    The motive is to encourage governments to expand the systems to enable more Nigerians have sustainable access to sanitation and safe water. Recently, Bayelsa State, where access to clean water seems a mirage, became the focus of the agencies.

    In conjunction with the Bayelsa State Government, UNICEF and EU gathered media executives at Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, to examine challenges of lack of drinkable water in the state. The workshop on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) brought notable journalists in a roundtable to learn from experts and become part of the solutions to a mountain-like problem.

    Participants are the Programme Manager, Winikime Asingbi; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Inebiri Daniel; Sanitation Officer, Andrew Tarivi; Water Supply Officer, Adolphus Alfred; Hygiene Education Officer, Felicia Afenfia and UNICEF State Consultant, Bright Nwaonu.

    UNICEF’s WASH specialist Martha Hoodia said access to water and proper sanitation could reduce poverty through decrease in morbidity, mortality, reduction in health expenditures, among others.

    She said EU, UNICEF and the Bayelsa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), have been developing various innovative approaches to end water-related deaths in rural communities. She said UNICEF and its partners with effective knowledge management produced learning-based approaches and evidence-based advocacy and programmes to to stop the menace in communities.

    Diarrhea was identified as the third highest cause of death in children. Therefore, schools were implored to build safe and clean toilets. Schools were also asked to ensure that children have access to potable water and sanitation.

    Advantages of sanitation were discussed by the participants. Clean procedures help to reduce morbidity and mortality; healthcare expenditure and poverty. It also increases productivity, school attendance and income generation opportunities.

    The Programme Officer, Bayelsa RUWASSA, Asingbi Winikime, noted that in partnership with UNICEF and EU, the agency started work on sanitation and hygiene in two local government areas of the state. Winikime applauded achievements recorded in the two councils covered and called on the state government to reach out to six other local government areas.

    Winikime’s presentation raised the interest of the participants, who expressed the desire to tour the two councils and see work done by all the interventionist agencies. They wanted to see whether the agencies were really walking their talk.

    The trip was to enable the participants see what the experts described as the reverse osmosis, which helps to treat and preserve water for 20 years; ecological latrine (dry pit or drum latrine) used to counter open defecation and the water safety plan like the bio sand filtration for converting the river water into drinkable colourless, odourless and tasteless water.

    The EU/UNICEF intervention commenced in Bayelsa State in 2013 with two focal councils of Brass and Kolokuma-Opokuma, with the overall objective to mitigate violence in the Niger Delta states through the provision of water and sanitation facilities and promotion of safe hygiene practices.

    To tour the two councils, the participants were divided into two groups. While one group visited Brass, the other went to Kolokuma-Opokuma. The Niger Delta Report joined the Kolokuma-Opokuma trip.

    The journey terminated at Ekpotuari community. The area is said to have a population of 1,897 people including 854 males and 1043 females. Hitherto, residents practised open defecation. They defecated along bush parts and water bodies. They also used the same water for domestic activities such as cooking, bathing and drinking.

    The unhygienic system caused health crisis in the community. It led to infections, snake bites, cholera, diarrhea which in most cases resulted to death. But the calamity was reversed by UNICEF/EU when they intervened to eliminate the practice of open defecation. They sponsored the construction of the dry drum pit latrine, an innovative local technology for sewage disposal. It was delivered by RUWASSA.

    The families of Churchill Okotori and Janet Tombrigbofa, who benefitted from the intervention described it as a huge relief to the community.

    “The dry drum pit latrine is a huge relief. It is quite accessible because of its location. It prevents infections, enables an odorless environment, creates a high sense of hygiene and safety”, they said.

    Indeed, the local technology is a great innovation. The dry drum pit latrine is designed to separate urine from faeces during the process of defecation. It is like a normal latrine but it has a pipe leading to the drum for the faeces and a jerrican for urine.

    After excreting, the user sprinkles ashes on the faeces through the pipe and goes out to wash hands with the tippy tap. Water cannot be used for the latrine because as explained by Onuoha-Ogwe, water decomposes excreta.

    Tomgbribofa attested to the effectiveness of the latrine. “Whenever the Jerrican or drum fills up, they are rolled aside and replaced with another. The jerrican is allowed to sediment for three weeks then poured on farmland as manure for agricultural purposes as it facilitates rapid growth of vegetables, cassava and plantain.

    “The drum which is kept aside when full is sprinkled with ashes which help sediment it and convert it to manure that looks like sand. It can also be used for agricultural purposes and sand filling of bumps on roads.

    “The dry drum pit latrine is used by both young and old. It takes the drum months to get filled. As a matter of fact, it was constructed for the Okotori’s and Tomgboribofa’s compound over three months ago and till now, it is yet to be full”.

    The facility requires diligent maintenance. If it is not mismanaged, it does not develop any problem for a long time. But the locals still view it as very expensive to construct. The said its construction required about N50,000.

    But Asingbi said persons desiring to have more of the latrines should contribute to it to enable them value and handle the facility with care.  “RUWASSA will provide the manpower to fix the facility for them.

    “All that is required of the people is to get tapoline or any other cover for privacy, wood for the staircase as it needs to be raised up to place the drums under it”, Winikime said.