The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Elechi Amadi: Widows, kinsmen eulogise literary icon

    Elechi Amadi: Widows, kinsmen eulogise literary icon

    The late Captain Elechi Amadi was born in 1934. He died on June 29, 2016 at the age of 82. His one week funeral, which gathers momentum today and tomorrow, began on Monday. Many activities have lined up to mark his exit. PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, who visited the family of the literary icon reports   

    The burial rites of renowned author, Captain Elechi Amadi have begun in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. As an Ikwerre-born traditionalist, his exit is to be marked with several activities. Such activities include the launch of his biography entitled Kedara on November 29.

    When our correspondent visited the late Amadi’s residence at Mgbodo,  Aluu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, members of the community were in high spirits to receive dignitaries from all walks of life who will come to pay their last respects to the Aluu chief. Many youths of the community were at the compound working to keep the environment clean.

    The deplorable road linking Aluu community with the late Amadi’s house has been fixed and the family house has also been renovated by the state government.

    His palace where his body will lie in state today and tomorrow has also been renovated. His old pictures are still hanging on the wall of the palace when our correspondent visited the family.

    One of such pictures is a group photograph showing Nigerian soldiers in 1964; with Brig. Ademulegun, Maj. Gen. Welby–Everard, Lt.-Col. Yakubu Gowon and others. Another picture on the wall is the group photograph with Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Tele Ikuru and Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    There is also a photograph of his late father with other Aluu chiefs exchanging pleasantries with the first Military Governor of Rivers State, Commander Alfred Dapapreye Diete-Spiff (rtd). There are also other memorable photographs on the wall of the palace.

    Speaking on her closeness and the last encounter with the late Amadi, the third wife, Dr. Priye Elechi-Amadi whom many described as the late traditionalist’s handbag, said the literary icon actually told her goodbye but it was very difficult for her to accept his goodnight wave.

    Dr. Elechi-Amadi said she knew that he was going to die but she didn’t know it was going to be soon because there were serious health challenges which he survived in the past.

    “In 2009, he was very ill. We had to fly him to the United Kingdom.  I am a member of Eckankar. I told God that one thing I want from Him was to go back with my husband to Nigeria. He went into the theater three times.  That was why when he fell ill this time; I thought it was not as serious as the previous one. If he had survived that one, this one was no case. I know that his soul lives on, the signs were there that he was going to die but I found it difficult to accept the reality.”

    On the day her husband died, she said it took her two weeks to realise that he was gone. “I wasn’t conscious of myself  two weeks after, because it was a big shock to me. I didn’t lose a husband; I lost a friend and a lover. His death created a big vacuum in my life. He was a very patient man and good listener.

    “Actually, I was privileged to be with him in his private moment. He really opened up to me. You know he loves poetry. While he was ill, there was a reading programme organised by Total Plc. Then I said to him, but for this sickness, you would have gone for this event and he said, “No, you can go for both of us. Please, go and represent me.’ The next morning he was the one that reminded me to go for the event. I went there and gave a speech on his behalf and came back and met him in the hospital.  I think that was a goodbye. He was a true artist to the end.”

    Continuing, Priye, who is a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State, said: “He was honest and romantic; he wooed me for about two years. Our relationship started in a very critical note. We worked together on a book, that book entitled Kedara has been published; that was what brought us together.

    “But there was no thought of marriage at all at the initial time. Because of our interactions, we discovered that we were soulmates and intellectually compatible. I think it is natural that we ended up together as husband and wife. We stayed together for 26 years as husband and wife and 30 years together as friends. The best thing I will do for him is to preserve his literary legacy. As a matter of fact, I collaborated on his biography work before he passed on.

    “It was launched on Tuesday, November 29, this year. The biography centred on his personality, lifestyle, work and others. What informed my marriage to him was that he was genuinely lovely, sincere  and kind-hearted. I had two children with my late husband.”

    The second wife of the late writer, Mrs. Rose Elechi-Amadi, who responded in Ikwerre dialect, said her late husband was a good father to their children.

    She said one thing she would miss was his caring attitude.

    “He was one of those men in Ikwerre that know how to marry wife. I’m going to miss his caring attitude. All of us are going to miss him and I have been praying that God should grant him eternal rest.”

    The first wife, Mrs. Dorothy Elechi-Amadi would died last year, but one of her daughters, Pastor Karen Elechi-Amadi said her father was a member of  Ikwerre Language Committee where he assisted the group to translate the new and old testaments into Ikwerre language.

    “Of course, he is part of the Ikwerre Language Committee where he assisted to translate the Bible into Ikwerre language. They have already translated the New Testament; they are still proofreading the Old Testament. He had a dual personality; while he had his eyes on tradition, he also did things that were positive in the eyes of God.”

    “We loved him and respected him; wherever he went, he ensured there was peace and harmony. His area of specialisation was Mathematics and Physics but later he started writing and today he turned out well as a literary giant before he passed on.

    “He taught me how to read even books that were beyond my age. Not just me alone, the rest of my siblings, bringing us very close to books had actually helped us.  He told us that reading is power.”

    We will miss him.”

    Some of his kinsmen said their late brother’s beliefs, lifestyles and his contributions to community development made him a legend, adding that the late Amadi  immortalised himself before he died.

    The younger brother to the late litrary icon, Elder Valentine Amadi said his brother had made a good impression on earth that would last forever, stressing that he was not sick or weak until the day he died.

    He said those were the qualities of an upright man in Ikwerre ethnic nationality. He called on the people to live a life worthy of emulation; since man does not know the day he would die.

    “You can see the atmosphere, the great man in the community is gone. All we are doing now is to  celebrate his achievements and what he believed in. He was a great man, he trained me and seven others. He ensured that we were enlightened and now he is gone.

    “He was a free man. Despite the insecurity in the community, he was not afraid to move around. He was a community man because he participated fully in the community development. He interacted with both old and young. One thing about him is that he preferred living here than outside the community,” he said.

    A resident of Aluu community, Mr. Chris Oji, said the late Amadi, through his literary works, had immortalised himself.

    Oji said:  ”The burial ceremony of Elechi Amadi is not a platform for people to cry. We are celebrating his greatness. We can sympathise with members of the family on the death of a great man who had left this sinful world and to also inform them that we are glad to join in celebrating the literary icon.

    “When you mention the Mandela of our area, then you are talking of the late Elechi Amadi. He had done everything he needed to do.  He had made a lot of progress and trained a lot of people.”

     

     

  • Magnus Abe’s unstoppable victory

    For the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District, nothing excites them more when it comes to adequate representation in the imminent Rivers rerun election slated for December 10 this year  than the candidature of one of their own, distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe.

    The re-appearance of this revered gentleman who was  one-time chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream in the forthcoming re-run election in Rivers State clearly suggests Abe’s unquenchable desire to serve the downtrodden by attracting more developments to their area.

    A cursory look at Abe’s mien tells deeply his readiness to position the average Rivers South- East man to an enviable status. Abe’s impeccable performances in his first term at the Senate brought about renewed hope to a once-depressed and marginalised people of the Rivers South-East senatorial district.

    An in-depth glance at Abe’s profile would make the reader to conclude that Abe is able to bring about the desired turnaround his kinsmen have yearned for to their respective communities in terms of adequate representation.

    When Abe is re-elected into the Senate, the people’s confidence will be boosted, shattered hopes will be emboldened, jobs will be created and voice will be given to the voiceless.

    Abe recorded huge successes for the masses of the senatorial district during his first stint at the Senate. In education, Abe procured forms for more than 1,200 candidates sitting for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) drawn from the seven local government areas that make up Rivers South- East Senatorial district and also assisted 900 final year students in the area through his annual School Fees Support Scheme.

    About 120 law graduates also benefited immensely from Abe’s annual Law School Support Initiative. Journalists in the Senatorial district were not left out of his magnanimity as scholarships were provided for nine journalists for Post-graduate, Higher and National Diplomas in Journalism.

    Abe also awarded scholarships worth N100, OOO each to 159 students from the Senatorial district to study in higher institutions in the country.

    On skills acquisition, Abe made remarkable impact in Bera, Kwawa, Andoni, Eleme, Boue, Biara and Gwarwa communities in which over 79 people benefitted. Women were also provided with sewing machines and motorcycles were presented to youths in other communities just to give life a meaning.

    Abe’s intervention in providing potable water to his people also received accolade from them. Here, rehabilitation of an industrial borehole with 27 KVA power generating sets covering five communities and provision of water borehole in Duburo community in Khana Local Government Area with power generating sets and sinking of borehole in Oyorokotor community in Andoni Local Government Area among others are some of the achievements recorded by Magnus Ngei Abe.

    On electricity supply, communities such as  Kaa, Gwara Luubara, Gure, Eweh, Pue, Duburo, Zaakpon, Sii, Kabangha and others now heave a sigh of relief as they enjoy electricity supply due to Abe’s generosity.

    Abe also reconstructed community town halls, constructed major culverts in Kono and constructed footbridge in K-Dere community. A state-of-the-art secretariat was also built for the National Union of Ogoni Students with computers and power generating sets provided. Abe’s generosity does not recognise boundaries as it cuts across the state.

    As a former Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Abe initiated some bills among which is the local refineries (licensing) bill .The bill was aimed at enhancing the construction of local refineries by private companies and individuals.

    As a lawmaker, Abe transcended from initiating bills geared at bettering the lots of the people to touching lives and putting smiles on the faces of his people.

    Abe’s romance with his people is cordial, his outspokenness gives him an added advantage over his opponent, and he is loved by all. A recent opinion poll in the senatorial district shows that Abe is generally accepted by his people and would win the forthcoming Rivers South-East re-run.

    Truth and honesty are Abe’s watch words. He has zero-tolerance to electoral violence and his gentility is admired by many. The hunt for Abe by the people of Rivers South-East in the re-run election in few weeks to come is a step in the right direction and one can confidently say, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the party to beat.

    Those praying for the downfall of Magnus Ngei Abe should wake up to reality. Abe is the chosen and anointed one of the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial district and no force of darkness, intimidation and electoral malpractice can stop his victory.

    My clarion call to his people is that; Abe has done for them what others could not do. A vote for Abe by his people come December 10, is a vote for confidence. He has done it before and he will do it again. Abe is Able!

     

  • Cross River and Ayade’s development strides

    Cross River and Ayade’s development strides

    For the people of the Northern Senatorial Zone, which is made up the five Cross River Local Government Areas of Cross River State, a huge infrastructural light finally came flaming after several months of high hopes and great expectations that were nearly ruptured by 17 months of waiting, despair, frustration and cynicism.

    It was a week that Governor Ben Ayade’s developmental train made impactful stops at Obanliku, Bekwarra, Ogoja and Yala local government areas.

    For the people of the zone, it was a refreshing homecoming of a worthy son returning with plenty of game and also one that signaled the arrival of a hamper of goodies.

    On November 2, despair turned to hope, cynicism to optimism and frustration to a sense of fulfilment. On that day, the governor’s message was astoundingly clear and re-assuring-they were not forgotten in the industrialisation hurricane sweeping across the state; and while this might have taken a little while in coming, it was neither a rejection nor denial of the zone of the share of the largess.

    In a carnival-like procession, a vast concourse from different walks of life, the young and the aged, men and women, including students poured out in their thousands to receive the governor and his convoy. This was not one of the everyday visitors they have seen come and go. This particular visitor held something special.

    With a uniquely different package for each of the five local government areas in the Northern Senatorial Zone, Ayade, on arrival, immediately swung into action by unveiling what would arguably be an exceptional gift for the people of Obanliku and Bekwarra local government areas with the official inauguration and inspection by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emeifule of 30,000 and 20,000 hectares of rice farms in Obanliku and Bekwarra respectively, with the former belonging to the governor.

    As good entrepreneur and CEO of the state, an administrative model he has brought to bear on running the state, Governor Ayade has exhibited great skills at seeing prospects and going after them. He identifies needs and understands exactly how to translate them into results.

    An adherent apostle of President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy on self-sufficiency in rice production, Governor Ayade’s decision to venture into rice farming is a clear demonstration of his leadership by example.

    One of the earlier promises he made to the people was his open declaration to put an end to Ogoja rice processed in Abakiliki and rechristened “Abakiliki Rice”.

    In his message at the groundbreaking, the governor said: “The people of Ogoja are traditionally the number one rice growing people in the South-South of Nigeria, all the rice cultivated in Ogoja end up in other states.

    “Indeed, it is our rice and we have come to put an end from taking our rice from Cross River to somewhere else and adding to the rice cultivation statistics of other state.”

    In demonstration of his commitment, youths of farming age from Bekwarra, Obanliku and Ogoja, defied the sweltering sun in show of commitment to their governor’s rice farming initiative.

    As if to underscore the significance of the programme, Kebbi State Governor and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Rice and Wheat, Governor Atiku Bagudu, who slummed it along with the CBN Governor, through the crater-riddle Enugu-Abakiliki-Ogoja-Bekwarra Road, commended Governor Ayade for his pragmatic roles demonstrated in ensuring the country is self-sufficient in rice production, an effort he noted, had engendered over 73 co-operative groups and 2,183 farmers already mobilised in the northern part of the state for dry season farming.

    In similar manner, Emeifule, revealed that CBN had spent over N3 billion in the programme in the state so far, assuring that once there was evidence of achieved success, the bank was ready and willing to bring in more funds to the state.

    While commending Governor Ayade for his unflinching commitment towards the programme, the CBN Governor was optimistic that his effort would serve as a motivation to the people of Cross River State who were yet to key into the scheme to think of owning their personal farms and start growing rice and other essential produce.

    Having unfolded the package for Bekwarra and Obanliku, it was now the turn of the people of Yala Local Government Area where a mammoth crowd was on hand to receive their governor who came to deliver some of the dividends of his one-and-a-half years in office.

    For a community that had experienced perpetual darkness for ages, Ayade’s visit was indeed a welcome relief and a final goodbye to the nightmare.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Imaje/Ekpirinyi electrification project, the governor lamented the long neglect of the over 10 communities and assured that never again would any community suffer such abject treatment which had cut them off from civilisation.

    While thanking Ayade for rescuing them from what he described as the cloak of darkness, Clan Head of Imaje, His Royal Highness, Ogamode Edema Ipuole, said the governor had done what others before him had either forgotten or failed to do, even as he called for corporate prayers for peace and good governance.

    Shortly before the official lighting of the Imaje/Ekpirinyi communities, Governor Ayade had carried out the biggest ritual ever performed in the lives of the people in the last 40 years and one for which the five local government areas will forever be grateful.

    As early as 7:00 a.m., the Mfom-Ogoja Junction was literally barricaded as 30,000 people, including paramount rulers, chiefs, elders, men and women, drawn from the five local government areas of the northern part of the state poured out to witness the groundbreaking/launch of the dual carriage way of Mfom-Ogoja-Yala-Bekwarra federal road being undertaken by the state government.

    But in a bid to reactivate the tempo of economic activities and increase footfalls into the famous Obudu Ranch Resort, Governor Ayade, again, showed up to inaugurate the construction work on the 133 kilometers Mfom-Okpoma-Imaje-Bekwarra-Obudu-Obanliku dual carriage road.

    The construction of the federal road which will traverse the five local government areas that constitute the Northern Senatorial District is estimated at N31 billion and it is expected to be completed in 30 months.

    Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony that was attended by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, House of Representatives members from the five local government areas,  the five paramount rulers as well as a huge crowd of indigenes from the five local government areas of Bekwarra, Yala, Ogoja, Obudu and Obanliku, Ayade said the milestone was the beginning of a new journey in the history of the Northern Senatorial District which, for 45 years, has been denied the luxury of driving on good roads.

    The governor lamented that the people are totally disconnected from the point of mercantile, social interactions and indeed all prospects that give people dignity.

    Ayade said: “Our economic life is completely gone, our large farms that fed the entire South-south and Southeast is gone. Our educational institutions and all that united us have gone as a result of perpetual neglect and bad roads. But God has brought us again to take our destiny into our own hands that we shall be reconnected and be united.”

    The former Senator-turned governor declared: “We will succeed because I know the trying moments of my people, the difficulty in gaining access to farm lands, locating streams, coupled with hash weather condition is over. We toil so much, pray so hard struggle so much but earn so little. God cannot forsake us at this point.”

    On the economic viability of the road, Ayade noted that “the road is not driven by ambition nor childhood propensity to achieve what you have set, but it is a thorough reflection of the yearnings and needs of our people.

    “I believe that this road is the beginning of prosperity and in the words of the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, it is clear that it is one thing that is going to build us again as a team and as a people and I l believe that the people of the Northern Senatorial District are totally united in solidarity with this road.”

    According to the governor, “it is an opportunity to attract the desired traffic from the eastern flank of the country to access our facilities at the Obudu, return back to our bustling Okuku market once again and most importantly rewrite the Ogoja’s name in our country’s map.

    “This project is anchored on a promise of decoupling our people from over dependence on government because road is a major infrastructure in the socio economic development of our state.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers in the area, Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Uti Joseph-Davies Agba, described the road as an umbilical that will bind and unite the people again, even as he thanked Ayade for his pragmatism in ensuring that he brings back life to Ogoja, the oldest and most neglected local government in Nigeria.

    On his part, the Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Agbara promised to support the state in its effort at constructing the road, assuring that the ministry will be on site to ensure that contractors keep to the scope, design and specification during construction.

     

  • Philanthropy: Cleric rewarded in Port Harcourt

    Philanthropy: Cleric rewarded in Port Harcourt

    The Arewa Ambassadors Congress of Nigeria (AACN) made history in Port Harcourt recently as they shunned politicians, money bags and even other religious leaders to present award to the Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey.

    Presenting the 2016 Arewa Leadership Award on Humanitarian Service to Kattey, the President of AACN Ambassador Esinrogunjo Musbau said: “We don’t believe in politicians because they have disappointed the people over the years.”

    Musbau said the award entitled “Icon of Hope/Philanthropist of our Time” was given to Kattey because “we want to build bridges and the unity of this country is paramount to us.”

    He also said they chose Kattey because he has integrity and besides “we want the North to be free when they are in the East and we want the East to be free when they are in the North.”

    The AACN President, who is vying for the chairmanship of his Ilorin West Local Government Area in Kwara State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) also explained that his group whose membership is drawn from 19 Northern states did not know the Anglican Cleric intimately but “we only heard of your services to humanity and that is why we have come to present this award to you.”

    Musbau, who stressed on oneness of Nigeria, also stated that “our slogan is unity and we preach unity everywhere we go,” pointing out that “if we enjoy peace and unity, everyone would be better for it.”

    He also revealed that the nomination of Kattey at their congress sailed through without hitch which is why about 11 members of the group, some of who had not been to Port Harcourt before, were sent to come and confer the award on the Anglican cleric.

    Responding, Kattey informed that the award was the 4th he has received on humanitarian services since last year.

    He also revealed that in the letter informing him of the award, the group stated that “the honour is a testimony of your courage, unwavering support, kind disposition, commitment to serve Nigerian citizens and unfailing love which you have shown both at your state and Nigeria at large in time past and till date.”

    While expressing gratitude to AACN for the award, Kattey also advised that since their “overall objective is to promote peace and sustainable development within Northern Nigeria,” they have to embark on re-orientation and building of confidence among themselves.

    Additionally, he told the group that even though they are all young people, they should shun “impatience, get-rich quick syndrome, cultism and kidnapping.”

    While also decrying the global crises which are taking a chunk of human population, Kattey urged everyone to return to God in fasting and prayer as well as to stand for truth “against evils of our time.”

    He further prayed that “no tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, peril or killings separate us from the love of God.”

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Emeka Ichoku said he was surprised when he learnt that the Anglican Bishop was to be conferred with an award by AACN.

    Ichoku said he initially thought it was because Kattey schooled in ABU Zaria, Kaduna State but later found out that it was “because of the Bishop’s humanitarian services which has even transcended beyond Nigeria.”

    Ichoku, who is also the Chancellor of the Church, expressed hope that the award would “serve as a bridge between our Muslim brothers in the North and us because we all serve one God.”

  • This thing called politics (2)

    Chukwu and Anthony need no soothsayer to tell them that their boss is in a very sad mood. As they look at his blood-shot eyes, all they see is sadness. His Excellency does not believe in the saying that you win some and lose some. He always wants to win all.

    After about one minute of silence, Chukwu offers some pieces of advice: “Sir, I think we should organise a church service for the flag off campaign of 2016 re-run/supplementary election at an Anglican Church. There, the governor will urge the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that the will of the people prevails.

    “The governor should say this election will prove whether or not the EC is ready to conduct free and fair elections. We should also use it as an opportunity to say that the UPP remains committed to violence-free elections. We should stress that we will resist any attempt to write results. We should portray the CPC as the one eager to write results.”

    Ekiw maintains his silence. Anthony jumps in: “We should also get the Waters State House of Assembly to pass a resolution  calling on the Inspector-General of Police  to immediately transfer the State Assistant Commissioner of Police ( ACP)  in charge of Operations, Asshole Stevo,  and the Commander of Special Anti-Robbery Squad  (SARS ), Ifankaleluya Akinkorede for being  partisan. The House should also pass a resolution pleading with the National Assembly to investigate the two police officers and take necessary action. The House should accuse the duo of opening fire on UPP supporters who were on peaceful procession to the Assembly and aiding the invasion of the Government House by CPC supporters who wanted to cause violent change of government in a democracy.”

    He continues: “We should add that the duo got 16 Divisional Police Officers to assist them attack our supporters who were on peaceful procession. We should let the House make it clear that this amounts to a coup against the Waters people and the government they elected freely.”

    Anthony’s bid to continue talking is interrupted by the sudden vomiting by Ekiw. His Excellency is soon swimming in his own vomit. His system has obviously had more than its share of wine for one day. Anthony and Chukwu rally round the governor; pulls his caftan and cleans him up. They make him lie down on the couch.

    “Let me go for new caftan for him,” Chuwku says and disappears through the door. Anthony stays back to monitor the boss whose eyes are now wide shut.

    Some minutes later, Chukwu returns with the caftan and Mimi, His Excellency’s daughter and conscience-in-chief.

    Mimi looks at her father and shakes her head. Anthony and Chukwu look at her and wonder why she is shaking her head. She keeps her gaze on her father for some more time feeling like waking him up and telling him that man shall not live by bread alone.

    She soon shifts her attention to Anthony and Chukwu. She shakes her head looking at them. She makes up her mind to give them a piece of her mind.

    “When will this whole charade end?” she says to no one in particular.

    Anthony and Chukwu are taken aback. They wonder what she is driving at.

    “I know my father is a strong man, a very strong man but that is a problem. We don’t need strong men. Like President Barack Obama once said, what Africa needs are strong institutions.”

    Looking at Anthony, she says: “Sir, I think you can help my father. Tell him the truth always. I know he can be stubborn but it is not all the time that you simply tell him what he wants to hear. A lot of nonsense is going on around here. I am not saying the opposition are blameless but this is a truth I can only admit in the closet like this, my father is crude. His ways baffle me. There are things he has done since he became governor that I have confirmed myself and I am ashamed of him.”

    Chukwu and Anthony are baffled at the kind of words coming from Mimi about her father. But she simply behaves as if their concern means nothing and continues airing her views: “The other day I saw on television supposed ex-militants handing over guns and all kinds of weapons all in the name of Waters State Amnesty Programme, a poor imitation of the laudable programme started by the late Yar’Adua. When I looked closely at some of the boys handing over the guns, I laughed and also felt like crying at the same time. I know some of those boys and I am sure that you also know them. They are your boys and that gives me the feeling that this whole programme is nothing but charade. I have also wondered what becomes of the guns. They are either supposed to be handed over to the security agents or destroyed publicly.”

    Mimi pauses, looks at her father once more and then shifts her attention to Chukwu and Anthony.

    “What sort of happiness comes from intrigues? I have tried to answer this question times and times again, especially since my father became governor and I have not been able to.”

    Chukwu chooses to interrupt her at this stage.

    “Mimi, the situation is not exactly like you have painted it,” he says and tries to continue but Mimi cuts him short.

    “I do not expect you to agree with me because you are not the one whose father all because of a failed political misadventure soaked himself in alcohol and vomited all over. You are not the one whose classmates ask frequently ‘why is your father described as wicked?’ You are not the one who feels bad each time her father goes to a church and makes political statements filled with malice. You are not the one who wonders what manner of a politician her father is. Are you?”

    Before anyone can say anything, Mimi drops another bombshell: “This thing called politics, especially the brand played by my father and his disciples like you, has no conscience and that is why you guys can just wake up and decide to pick on a number of political opponents and go after them for murders you have no evidence they committed.”

    Mimi soon storms out of the office but not without telling Chukwu and Anthony: “I will not forgive you if anything happens to my father because you encourage him in his politics without conscience.”

    They remain silent until Ekiw wakes up.  He makes his way to the bathroom attached to the office. Wearing only his birth clothing, he opens the shower and stays under it for the next twenty minutes. As he stays under the water, his mind wonders to those days when he first got married, those days when he used to shower with his wife together, those days when the kids had not come and they were free to pull each other’s clothes anywhere in their apartment and merge like souls jailed by passions. He also remembers his sojourn into politics; his ascension to the office of the council chairman; his stint as a minister; his time as a governor’s principal officer; and how he thought he could not be governor; and all the battles he had to fight to be governor. He also thinks about the battles he is still fighting to keep the coveted seat.

    He forces himself out of the shower after the memories begin to look as though out to kill him there. He wears the new caftan from Chukwu. He returns to the office and sits on the couch. His men say nothing. After some minutes, something comes to his mind and he asks a question: “Was Mimi here? I felt I heard her voice.”

    Both men look at each other. No one is willing to admit the truth lest he is forced to recount the gospel according to Mimi. Some things are better left unsaid, each says to himself. There is nothing left to talk about. Chukwu and Anthony take their leave.

  • Shell builds public library in Rivers

    Shell builds public library in Rivers

    In its effort to promote literacy in the Niger Delta region, the Anglo-Dutch multi-national company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria Limited, has built and donated a standard modern public library for members of Port Harcourt Literary Society (PHLS). Built and equipped at the cost of N2. 574 billion, Shell invested the sum of $5 million while the sum of $1.5 million was raised from other sources. The library is adjudged by professionals as the only standard library facility Nigeria has ever had, having facility for every strata of the society, ranging from babies to the very old.

    Located at the Nigeria Air Force in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the facility is being managed by members of PHLS. The facility is meant to carter for the learning and research needs of everyone in any sphere of life.

    The company has always shown commitment in the education of the people to enable them to improve their economic well-being. In achieving this, Shell designed and operates different educational scholarship and training programmes annually for different categories of people in the region.

    On the firm’s annual Cradle-to–Career (C2C) educational programme for gifted but indigent kids in public primary schools in rural communities in the three main operational states of the company, namely Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta, the company gives scholarship to 60 graduating primary school pupils (20 from each state), to the best private secondary school in Port Harcourt, with Cambridge/A’Level classes on full boarding bases.

    The first batch of the students has graduated. As at the last award months back, the company has given out scholarships to over 400 students.

    The company also operates an expanded robust university scholarship, in which opportunities are given to undergraduate and post-graduate students of Nigerian origin to be sponsored under its social responsibility programme. This year, over 500 students received the award nation-wide.

    The scheme is Shell/NNPC/Agip partnership; the latter has existed for over 50 years in the country.

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SPDC Nigeria, Okunbor Osagie said the project is one of the three library projects the company has planned for each of its main states of operation, expressing the delight on its impacts on the education and learning of residents of the oil-rich region.

    Quoting Alan Moore he said: “Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” Okunbor noted that library being a fountain of knowledge would be freely available to all. “This completed library project by SPDC will provide unfettered access to knowledge for all people who seek it,” he said.

    The MD explained why the company decided to build the multi-purpose public library.

    “When you look at Shell companies in Nigeria, this project is one of our boldest social investments and it’s one of the three N2 billion projects we are sponsoring to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary in the Niger Delta region.

    “Our choice of these centenary projects and this one in particular is a demonstration of our continued belief in the future of this country and our commitment to its socio-economic development especially in the Niger Delta.

    “SPDC has exclusively funded this library project because of its strong conviction that it will deliver significant benefits and positively impact the lives of people.

    “The journey to the delivery of the library was implemented using a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port Harcourt Library Society and our objective was to deliver a modern public library that would rank as one of the biggest and most IT-driven in the Niger Delta. Without sounding immodest, our objective has been achieved.

    “To ensure that this project is sustainable, the library will be managed by the PHLS and will be a component of the Book Centre that will serve as the hub of activities that will promote access to information and economic growth through education in general and literary arts in particular,” he said.

    Speaker after speaker harped on the significance of the project to Rivers State as World Book Capital and the region in general.

    After inspecting the library facility, the Chief Librarian of National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina, said it met international standard. According to him, the structure has sections for every stage.

    “Having toured round the facility, I discovered that the facility has something for every strata of society, from kindergarten to the very old; that is what a public library ought to be. I am satisfied with what I have seen,” he said.

    Prof.  Aina adjudged the facility as the first and currently the only public library the country has ever had.

    He urged young mothers to take advantage of the facility in raising their babies with ease by bringing them there when they are busy, have places/shopping to do, stressing that the facility’s environment and its baby section is conducive to safe and quiet learning.

    “More importantly, one is happy that our mothers can now bring their children here on weekends or week days, go out for their shopping and other businesses and come back and pick them when they are done.”

    He pledged the support of National Library, and enjoined other states of the federation to replicate the facility in their own states to promote reading culture and effective child-raising.

    On the criteria for accessing the facility by the public and its capability in addressing the yearnings of Niger Delta students and researchers alike, the Chairman of PHLS, Dr. Chidi Amuta assured that the facility is open to everyone with the membership registration card (e-card), which also serves as the access card to the main entrance gate.

    He assured that the facility would be able to solve all research and writing requirements of users.

    “The vision for setting up the facility is to provide the word-class facility, which, however, is accessible and available to the public. This is because the users will not have second thought on the safety and friendliness of the facility and its environment.

    “The library was opened for public use on September 1 and is already receiving students and pupils from various schools on excursion visit and registration. The place is available for individual or group registration. The registration fee is just a token for the provision of e-card to open the entrance gate. Already families are beginning to register their children and wards.” Amuta said.

    He further said: “PHLS is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, but the monies we raise from donors, contributions and goodwill from the public is meant to ensure that the library functions optimally.”

    On why much funds is spent in building library in the current economic situation of the country, Okunbo said: “Education is very key in the social investment programmes of SPDC. It was the quest on how best to achieve this that informed our partnership with

  • Community seeks end to vandalism at Navy’s medical mission

    Community seeks end to vandalism at Navy’s medical mission

    The Etegwe community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was thrilled when a team of medical experts led by the Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy arrived at their town hall.

    It was the turn of the community to benefit from the medical benevolence of the navy, which has become a life-saver in Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states.

    The medical intervention by the navy was timely. The economy was hard for most of them, who, though had no money to visit hospitals, silently nursed their sicknesses.

    Little wonder the residents took advantage of the opportunity offered them by the navy. The town hall soon became congested as people trooped in to report their health complaints to health personnel. All categories of people came to receive cure for their ailments.

    The naval team led by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), CNC, Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba was prepared. The team came with cartons of quality drugs, medical equipment and an ambulance.

    Dr. Jennifer Odjegba and other medical experts in the team had a busy period listening and addressing many health issues and prescribing appropriate drugs for them.

    Since he took over the command, Graba has demonstrated passion for cordial military-civilian relationship in line with the objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff. The FOC has won the respect and admiration of communities within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the CNC.

    Following the care displayed by the Navy, the traditional ruler of Etegwe community, King Todumema Geoffrey, was moved to call on youths and other persons disturbing the peace of the Niger Delta to turn a new leaf.

    The monarch urged youths to desist from pipeline vandalism and destruction of critical national assets, saying that such tendencies would not bring development to the Niger Delta region.

    “We want to appreciate the Navy for the gesture. I want to warn those involved in blowing up pipelines and other criminal activities to desist from such acts. We need development in our region,” he said.

    The monarch further said the free medical mission was the first in the history of the community. “We are very happy to be remembered for this kind of exercise. This is the first in the history of Etegwe community”, he said.

    Also speaking, the youth leader, Mr. Ken Godwin reminded those disturbing the peace of the region of the fact that violence has not paid off anywhere in the world.

    Garba, on his part, asked the people to embrace and respect the ongoing dialogue between the region and the Federal Government.

    He said: “I expect the people to remember that struggle is not drawing a line and make it look like a kind of crusading spirit. There must be ways of reaching compromises and concessions.

    “And you can only reach those compromises and concessions through dialogue. The government has already given room for dialogue, so let them embrace it. If they embrace it, it is better for the society and Nigeria at large.

    “But if they refuse to go into dialogue, there might be a tendency that that sympathy they are gaining from the people will be lost and it means they are now surrendering the call for peace to chaos and violence which is not good for the society.”

    He explained that the free medical rhapsody was part of the Navy’s corporate social responsibilities aimed at boosting civil-military relations.

    He noted that the medical mission was one of the key priorities of the Chief of Naval Staff to bring the navy closer to the people within the maritime environment.

    He said the free medical mission was carried out monthly to test and treat health challenges of the people. Such health challenges, he said include malaria, typhoid fever, high blood pressure and diabetes, among others.

    Garba said: “It will be delightful to let you know that today is the sixth time we are offering free medical services to communities in Yenagoa and its environs. The CNS is instrumental to the sustenance of this rhapsody every month.

    “Navy is a part and parcel of the community. We feel we are blood brothers. So, one Nigeria is a vital issue to all the military personnel. That is why we feel that we must have a way of reaching out to the communities through the medical rhapsody and inauguration of projects.”

     

  • This thing called politics (1)

    Ekiw Moseyn is staring at the wine cup sitting on the coffee table as he learns of the police’s resolve to thwart his latest action against his arch-rival and ex-boss Timiro Ihcema.

    “The CP is really working against us,” his aide Simeone Okah says over the phone. “He is supposed to be taking instructions from the Chief Security Officer and no one else. What sort of federal system are we practicing that the CP takes orders elsewhere? We caught these people read-handed. The evidence is good enough to prove that they are guilty. So, why are they messing around with us? We should not give up.”

    Simeone pauses, giving Ekiw some time to chew on the latest information. “We should always be a step ahead of them,” he continues. “This state is ours and no one must be allowed to take it from us. This rerun is ours to win and nothing must stop that. We must continue to make noise about those bandits we found with fake result sheets so that the world will bear us witness.”

    “Thank you for your support,” Ekiw says. He imagines how many people he has been able to sell the lie to as gospel truth.

    “We just have to show them we are in charge. And what better way is there to do that than trouncing them election after election?” Simeon says and Ekiw wonders about the extent he has gone to keep Waters State in the grip of the Umbrella Peoples Party (UPP).

    For the next fifteen minutes, Simeon talks about how the president is allowing Timiro to ride roughshod over the state; how the economy is getting worse and not much is being done to bring it to normalcy; how gari is gradually getting off the grip of the poor; how rice is almost becoming a special delicacy only meant for special occasions; and how the president, in the midst of all these, is allowing his minister to use security agencies to undermine the governor of his state.

    As he goes on and on, Ekiw listens and talks less. He does not tell Simeone that the president alone is not to blame for the dwindling economic fortunes. He does not remind him that Timiro is only fighting back like a real politician should do. He simply allows his aide have his way. With a promise to reflect on their discussion and get back to him-a promise he has no plan of keeping- he hangs up.

    He stands from the swivel chair he has sat in the last thirty minutes or so of the call. He parts the window blind and looks at the expansive compound that is his office. He catches a glimpse of the huge diesel tank, the one he earlier in the life of his administration accused Timiro of stealing its content. He smiles as this thought comes to his mind.

    “This game of politics,” he says aloud.

    He walks into the toilet, pulls his trousers and sits on the water closet and stays there for some three minutes without anything being discharged. He wears his trousers back, cleans his hands with soap and returns to the office. There his attention catches an oil-on-canvas painting on the wall. He has no idea what the artist had in mind. All he sees are colours splash all over a board. He imagines how many people really understand these oil-on-canvas paintings. He remembers his argument with a friend back in the university. He had told the friend that oil-on-canvas was nothing but a reflection of the confused state of mind of the artist drawing it. They had argued on and on.

    The immediate past soon pays him a visit and the memories come rushing as if ready to turn his head around.

    ********

    Two weeks earlier, Ekiw and his kitchen cabinet had one of their several strategy sessions. It was not to develop the state. It was purely about how to keep the state perpetually in their grips.

    “We have to break the back of these ‘change people’, especially Timiro and Sidepeter,” said Anthony, the UPP chairman.

    “What do you have in mind?” Ekiw asked.

    “I know Sidepeter has a cousin who is into printing. His office is around C-Line…”

    “What has that got to do with us?” impatient Ekiw asked.

    “Plenty, Your Excellency,” Anthony replied,” We will go and plant some incriminating materials in the press relating to the rerun and we will accuse him, Sidepeter and by extension, Timiro, of plotting to rig the election in favour of their Change Peoples Congress (CPC).”

    “How do we perfect that?” Simeone asked.

    “Simple,” interjects Chukwu Oke, “What we will do is that we will not use the regular police. We will use the police attached to the deputy governor’s office and this will be done on a weekend when His Excellency will be out of town. He will then address a press conference on return about the development.”

    “How do we get Sidepeter’s man to say implicating stuffs on record?” Ekiw asked.

    “We will torture him. We will motivate our police to deal mercilessly with him so that he will own up to the crime and confess to the crime and name names. We will also get him to say that INEC released the serial number for the results’ sheets to the CPC,” said Chukwu.

    “But the beating must not be as such that he will have blood all over so that he will not be justified to claim he did it under duress,” Ekiw cautions.

    They all nodded their head. And there was silence for some ten seconds. Ekiw breaks the silence.

    “We also need to release the report of our enquiry into the violence recorded during the March rerun. We must release the report and the White Paper before the conclusion of the rerun polls. Of course, we will indict the CPC and recommend some of their key guys, especially that one who says he is honourable when in my sight he is the opposite. We will recommend him for murder trial. We will look for someone’s death to put on his neck. We can’t allow them to take this state from us. Everything must be thrown into the ring,” Ekiw said.

    His men agreed with him. They discussed further timelines for these actions and logistics were also perfected.

    ********

    Back from the land of reminisce, Ekiw grabs his phone. He summons Anthony to his office. He also orders Chukwu to report in his office immediately. Thirty-minutes later, the duo arrives. They exchange pleasantries with His Excellency.

    Ekiw sits on the couch facing the coffee table. Chukwu and Anthony finds spaces close by. He grabs the wine cup, fills it up and drinks in that characteristic style of his, which suggests “this is the life”. After gulping down the wine, he fires the first salvo: “Any information about Sidepeter’s man?”

    Chukwu speaks first: “I’m just from the control room and the information we just intercepted is that the police are bent on disgracing us if we are intent on proving any case against the man. Their position is that our action in arresting the guy was illegally carried out and cannot stand the test of the law.

    “We hear the guy is just in protective custody and not in detention as we want. That is why Timiro and Sidepeter are not making any noise about the matter. They have it all wrapped up with the security agents. In fact, from the information we intercepted, they are ready to shame us and are outrightly accusing us of planting incriminating materials in the guy’s office if we do not pipe down,” Anthony chips in.

    Ekiw says nothing, fills his cup once more and downs the content. His eyes are becoming blood-shot. He has just finished the sixth bottle of his favourite vintage Louis wine.

     

    To be continued.

  • Rivers’ amnesty: Vigilance groups reject ban

    Rivers’ amnesty: Vigilance groups reject ban

    The Rivers State amnesty committee has submitted its report to Governor Nyesom Wike. This marked the end of the amnesty programme in the state. PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA reports that some vigilance groups have criticised the committee’s report, rejecting moves by Wike to ban them. 

    On November 15, the Rivers State Amnesty Committee headed by Sir Ken Chinda, Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Amnesty, submitted its report on the disarmament of cultists, militants and other criminal elements. But some of its findings have been criticised by some stakeholders who said they rejected the report and its implementation.

    Members of the committee, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services were present at Rivers State Government House where the weapons and ammunition were displayed before reporters.

    Though, before now, many, including the opposition party, have criticised the amnesty programme offered to cultists by Rivers State government. Some described it as amnesty for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs in Rivers State.

    Presenting his report to Governor Wike, Sir Chinda, who said 22,430 cultists and militants renounced cultism and embraced the amnesty programme offered by the state government recommended that security vigilance groups should be disbanded.

    He said various arms and ammunition were recovered from cult groups, militants and other criminal elements.

    He noted that the committee took time to explain to the cult groups and other criminals that the governor does not want money to be paid in exchange of the surrendered arms and ammunition.

    He also said the amnesty programme which provided honest and brighter future for the repentant youths recorded a huge success, adding that those who did not embrace the amnesty programme should be declared enemies of the state and subsequently arrested.

    Chinda said: “I wish to present an executive summary report of Rivers State Amnesty Committee on disarmament of cult and other criminal elements in the state.  In line with the governor’s execution of power to exercise the prerogative of mercy as it is enshrined in section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    “The committee observed that there are cult groups in every community and local government area in Rivers State. The committee took time to explain to the groups that money will not be paid in exchange of the surrendered arms and ammunition. We also observed that cult and violence groups exist in all communities and local government areas in the state. Some communities have weapons which they use to prosecute communal wars. Community vigilance groups are also members of cult groups.

    “The reasons behind cult clash include communal wars, chieftaincy tussle, economic hardship and criminality. The fight for supremacy battle has led to some killings that are experienced in some communities. These cult groups parade with heavy firearms. Meanwhile, 22,430 cult members and militants renounced cultism and embraced the amnesty offered by the state government.”

    Responding immediately after the chairman of the committee presented his report, Governor Wike thanked the committee for proving the critics of the amnesty programme wrong, adding that he is satisfied with the job done by the committee.

    He called on the security agencies to arrest any cultist, militant that has refused to embrace the amnesty programme, stressing that “vigilance groups henceforth have been disbanded in the state”

    But the vigilance groups in Rivers State saw the amnesty report on the activities of the security vigilance group as an insult and discouragement to some vigilance groups that are rendering selfless services to various communities.

    Though, they accepted that members of some vigilance groups are committing atrocities in the name of rendering vigilance services, they added that governor Wike must act fast to lift the ban on some vigilance groups whose operations have nothing to do with criminality but service to the community.

    The Secretary, Diobu Vigilance Volunteer Group (DVVG), Prince Amatari Bipeledei said the ban of security vigilance groups is nothing but to give criminals license to operate freely, especially as the festive season is approaching.

    He said despite lack of encouragement on the part of the state government, his group, which is the only known and recognised group by the Police in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, has arrested more than 65 suspected criminals and recovered more than 200 stolen items since it began operation in 2011.

    Bipeledei said: “Diobu Vigilance Group is calling on Governor Wike to take a second thought on the disbandment of vigilance groups in Rivers State. We are not against the report of the amnesty committee; we maintain that the committee should have investigated thoroughly on the activities of security vigilance groups before sending its report to the governor.

    “It amounts to discouragement and disrespect to selfless service.

    “The disbandment of Vigilance groups in Rivers State will only give criminals the license to operate freely. The government should know that granting amnesty and recovery amunition from criminals does not put an end to criminality in any society. DVVG which operates in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area needs commendation and encouragement instead of humiliation. Diobu is calm today because of our relentless efforts in collaboration with the police.

    “Don’t forget that hoodlums in Diobu have started celebrating following the Governor’s ban on vigilance groups. We are expecting the government to investigate the operations of the vigilance groups.

    “The Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within our jurisdiction are aware of our operations and they are in a good position to report on our contributions to the state in terms of security. But if the government refused to lift the ban, it will be disastrous.”

    Chairman, Ubima Vigilance Group, Mr. Innocent Elem, said he is in support of the  ban but disagreed that they shouldn’t have banned all the vigilance groups, insisting that not all vigilance groups operating in the state are into criminality.

    He called on Governor Wike to immediately set up a security committee to investigate the activities of the vigilance groups, stressing that the report of the committee would help the governor to know vigilance groups that are involved in criminality.

    Mr. Elem said: “As the Chairman of Ubima Vigilance Group,  I want to inform the governor  that we don’t bear guns. What we use are our phones for communication with the military and the police. The police are aware of our operations. Since we started operation, crime in our community has drastically reduced. So, it would be a setback for the government to ban us at the time when we have recorded success as confirmed by the people. I will also advise other vigilance groups that are into criminality to use this opportunity to amend their ways.”

    In separate reactions on the amnesty offered to the armed youths in Rivers State, some of the residents said there was no sincerity in Governor Wike’s amnesty even when it was obvious that some youths did not embrace the amnesty programme and did not denounce their cult membership.

    Mr. Emenike Amadi  said many armed youths did not accept the amnesty offer, alleging that the present government is  only compensating hoodlums who worked for them before, during and after the bloody 2015 elections.

    Amadi said: “Who are the youths that are being offered amnesty? We want to know if it is amnesty or compensation for a job well done. The government is compensating the bad boys in the name of amnesty.  Then, what happened to the families of those they murdered. As far as I’m concerned, I lost confidence from the day the amnesty committee was inaugurated.”

    However, the State Publicity Secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Sammuel Nwanosike said Governor Wike cannot be deterred by cheap blackmail and allow youths who willingly accept amnesty to go back to their old ways.

    Nwanosike said: “Governor Wike did not give any cultists or militants money but settting up  a process that will better their lives. The committee has already recommended for their immediate rehabilitation and training. The amnesty programme was a successful one. The governor has the fighting spirit to end criminality. Offering amnesty for those who deserve it was right to give them the chance to become better persons in the society. And that was what Governor Wike did for those repentant youths who took a bold step to make history.

    The Chairman of Ikwerre Youths’ Movement (IYM) in Emohua Local Government Area, Sir Lucky Worluh said amnesty was not offered to those who deserved it but to those who are still into criminality.

    He said for someone to be given amnesty, the person must have genuinely repented of his evil ways and not youths who are not ready to change from their old ways.

    “If man gives amnesty, God has not given you amnesty. The governor has just given amnesty to criminals who have not repented. These boys are still killing, causing trouble in the state.

    Mr. Chigozi Orlu-Orlu, a legal practitioner said governor Wike should consider the porous security condition of the state in his decision to ban vigilance groups. He said the governor must think for an alternative measure to reduce stealing, burglary and other criminal acts.

    Orlu-orlu said: “I am in support of the ban of vigilance groups based on the report of the amnesty committee. But we must not forget that the groups are also assisting in curbing crimes. They fill the loophole created by inefficiency of the police. There are areas that these vigilance groups are needed. Though, some of them may be cult members at the same time it is the work of the security agency to scrutinise and profile them and not to ban all of them.”

    One of the challenges noted by the chairman of Rivers State amnesty committee was that some youths refused to embrace the amnesty offered to them. The governor, however, ordered for the arrest of cultists who declined the amnesty offered to them.

    Investigation revealed that some militants and cult groups gave reasons why they declined the amnesty.

    Two groups, Egi Freedom Fighters in the Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area and the Kalar Bomber in Ikwerre Local Government Area said they refused to accept the amnesty offer based on certain reasons.

    Egi Freedom Fighters who commended the Rivers State Government for the introduction of an Amnesty Programme for those involved in armed struggle said its members refused to join the accept the amnesty because they are not cultists or militants but freedom fighters.

    While reacting to the report of the amnesty committee, the spokesperson of the group, Jenniffer Black, insisted that they are not criminal gang and does not indulge in criminal activities.

    Black said they resorted to arms struggle as a way of drawing the attention of government and other stakeholders to the age-long oppression, intimidation and injustice on the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

    She said the group demanded the rebuilding of all houses damaged in Egi communities by alleged security forces sent by some companies in the area, and the release of all the people arrested during the raid of Egi community.

    Black said: “We want Total Nigeria Plc and other companies operating in the area to create job for the teeming youths of the host communities and to maintain all existing structures in the host communities.

    “Other conditions in the demand include that the beneficiaries of scholarship opportunities must be the less-privileged in the community. And the company must create special opportunities for the widows whose houses were affected by the raid. We also demanded that the Federal Government should be a signatory and must be aware of whatever understanding to be reached. So, this is what we are fighting for and there is no reason why they should brand us as cultists or militants.

    Another group, Kalar Bombers said their refusal to accept the amnesty programme was that the sgovernment did not enter into agreement with them.

    The leader of the camp, who simply gave his name as Machete said his group want a proper agreement and not a television and radio announcement to accept amnesty programme.

    Machete claimed that the ammunition in his camp alone is worth more than N500 million, adding that his group will not accept to submit that kind of asset that is providing food for them just because of state amnesty offer.

    He said: “The state announced on radio and television that we should submit our guns and other ammunition for skill acquisition, maybe in addition to small cash. They might have taken us for granted. We don’t want a repeat of what happened at the Federal Government’s amnesty. One of the leaders of the strongest group in this area was recently arrested after he submitted his weapon and embraced the amnesty. That exactly was our fear why we refused to accept the offer because there was no proper deal to protect us after denouncing our membership from cult group.”

  • Akwa Ibom community, Mobil bicker over projects

    Akwa Ibom community, Mobil bicker over projects

    The N1.2bn Special Community Assistance Projects in Esit Eket by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited is generating tension due to the refusal of the firm to mobilise contractors for the third phase of its milestone plans, writes Kazeem Ibrahym

    Esit Esit Local Government Area, one of the host communities to Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited in Akwa Ibom State is in turmoil due to the firm’s lack of dedication to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the community.

    The area, it was learnt, has been devastated by the effects of oil spill resulting from oil and gas exploration activities. As a result, Mobil was to commit the compensation cash of N1.2 billion into communitty development projects in the third phase of its milestone plans.

    Speaking to reporters in Uyo, the state capital, a community leader, Senator Etang Umoyo, decried Mobil’s lack of commitment to the MoU, saying that the firm has reneged in paying the contractors after greater percentage of the job had been done.

    According to him, children in the affected schools now receive lessons under trees as the contractors have abandoned the sites due to failure of Mobil to pay them.

    His words: “Mobil should respect the contract terms with the contractors so that they can return to sites in order not to jeopardise the existing mutual relationship with it.

    “We have no problem with Mobil. They had started some projects in the areas of repair of schools, roads and walls. Now, it is time for children to go back to school and those things are left unattended to. If you go to Esit Eket, you will see the children receiving their lessons under trees.

    “So, we insist that Mobil should meet their payment obligations with contractors so that they can go back to sites and finish those projects in order to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning.

    Some youths wrote a letter to one of the managers, pleading that they should come and do something about the situation. Unfortunately, this was misinterpreted.

    “The General Manager for Public Relations over-reacted and called on the Transition Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area to ask the youth to withdraw the letter and apologise to them. As far as I am concerned, that is going overboard which could generate crisis.”

    The Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket, Edidem Ubong Peter Assam 11, appealed to Mobil to mobilise the contractors to return to sites, revealing that pupils in the affected schools have threatened to relocate to his palace for their learning programmes.

    Assam, Chairman of the Council appealed to the youth to toe the line of peace and work harmoniously with MPN towards the actualisation of the community projects.

    Some of the schools visited by Niger Delta Report included Community Secondary School, Akpautong; Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Akpautong; Union Technical College, Ikpa and others in Esit Eket. Works were at advanced stages of completion.

    But the contractors said they would return to complete the project as soon as Mobil fulfils its agreement to release funds for the project.

    Meanwhile, teachers in the affected schools have lamented the deplorable state of education infrastructure, saying such environments were not conducive for the pupils, especially as the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) approaches.

    “Our pupils have been learning under harsh situations because of the non-completion of the facilities for the pupils to prepare well for their forthcoming examinations. The situation on ground is really affecting their studies. The doors are bad and as examinations are approaching, it is going to be difficult for the students”, Friday Akpan, Head of Motor Vehicle Department at the Union Technical College, Ikpa, lamented.

    Also, the Headmaster, Qua Iboe Church Primary School, AkpaUtong, Elder Edet Ekanem, said: “The students have no place to sit and learn.

    “Even my quarter as the headmaster is yet to be completed. If the headmaster’s quarter was ready, it will help me to supervise the students well and watch over the school premises very well instead of coming all the way from my village to the school every day.”

    Also, the Esit Eket Frontline Youths Movement (EEFYM) and Network Advancement Programme for Poverty and Disaster Risks Reduction, in their separate letters to Mobil, had accused the company of refusal to pay the balance of the said money and threatened with an ultimatum of seven days to be conditionally followed by protests by the community youths.

    But, in a letter by Mobil’s General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Paul Arinze, and addressed to the Chairman, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Iniobong Robinson, the company said despite the present unpleasant business climate in the country, MPN had not reneged on the execution of the Special Community Assistance Projects in the respective communities of Ibeno, EEket, Esit Eket, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Mbo.

    The letter reads: “As you are aware, the delay in the commencement of project activities in Esit Eket, for the most part, was due to internal community disagreements and litigations. As soon as those issues were resolved; (though some fresh cases have again been filed in court), the process for the disbursement of the first milestone was effected, and payment subsequently made.

    “Upon the completion of the first milestone project activities and submission of satisfactory report by the project manager (I.F. Global Services Limited), the second milestone payment was also made. Based on the value of measured work as earlier communicated, the process for the disbursement of the third (half) milestone payment is ongoing.

    “In view of the above, and in compliance with the Resolutions signed by all the parties on December 19, 2013, the NNPC/MPN JV hereby demands an immediate withdrawal of the letters and the issuance of unreserved apologies by the two groups from Esit Eket Local Government Area, as an irreducible minimum condition for the continued execution of the SP II projects in Esit Eket LGA.”