The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Richard Arisco Osemwengie: The man who dared the Oba

    The Bini people in Edo State consider the holder of the title ‘Oba of Benin’, as a king that is not only to be revered, but also feared. Appellations such as Aisiokuoba, Obaisiagbon, Obayantor, Aisagbonrioba, Obaretin, are among many used to elevate him over and above other humans and his subjects. Stories abound about how Obas dealt with errant subjects, chiefs and others, who dare to question his authority or refused to obey his directive.

    It was therefore shocking to the Binis when Richard Arisco Osemwengie, a businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state recently dared the Oba by carving the ‘Utantan Kingdom’ out of the ancient Benin Kingdom, after he was installed as Chief Ogiamien.

    Arisco thereafter named part of Oredo, Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha, which are part of the old Benin Kingdom, as his domain. He further went ahead to set up his Utantan Traditional Council. He made some persons Chiefs and Enogies (Dukes) in his effort to consolidate his ‘kingdom’, after his controversial coronation that took place at 3:00 a.m., ostensibly to prevent attacks.

    The action of Arisco was premised on the belief by some members of the Ogiamien family that they are the original owners and rulers of Benin Kingdom. Arisco promised to provide the leadership since the incumbent Ogiamien Osarobo Okunghae was not around.

    Ogiamien Osarobo has not been seen since 1998. He was said to have left in a mysterious circumstances and did not tell any family member where he went. A Master Degree holder in History, Osarobo was 13 when his father died and as at the time he left, he was not married and had no child. He only has a sister.

    Before the ‘coronation’ of Arisco, a section of the family placed a newspaper advertorial declaring Osarobo missing. This happened barely few months after Oba Erediauwa II was declared indisposed. What, perhaps, a prompted supporter of Arisco was who will lead the Ekiokpagha battle in the absence of Ogiamien Osarobo.

    The Ekiokpagha mock battle is an integral ceremony in the activities leading to the coronation of a new Oba. It is symbolic and reminiscence of the defeat of Ogiamien by Oba Ewedo on his way to Benin in the 13th Century. The Ogiamiens claimed there was a treaty after the battle, which led to their eventual parting of Benin Kingdom to Oba Ewedo; but others said the treaty was a well-kept secret between the Oba and Ogiamien.

    It, however, appeared that a price tag has been placed on the next Ekiokpagha battle, as Arisco, in letter to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, demanded the establishment of a separate traditional council for the Ogiamien Kingdom, total refund of money due to the Ogiamiens from three-and-a- half local government council areas and the payment of N350 million.

    How the face-off between Arisco and the Oba will end is what has heightened tension in the ancient kingdom. Now, Arisco appeared to have been left in the lurch even by some members of his family, as some members of the family have allegedly written a petition denouncing his membership of the Ogiamien family.

    Arisco has remained in prison custody since September 29 when he was granted bail by Magistrate O.C Ojobo, after his arrest. A six-count charge of unlawful coronation and conspiracy to commit misdemeanour was preferred against him and one Patrick Osabuohien.

    Each count carried a punishment of two years imprisonment without an option of fine.

    In granting him bail, Magistrate Ojobo set condition that Arisco considered stringent and almost impossible to meet. The demand of two sureties, who must be traditional rulers in Benin Kingdom and a serving Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service, are seen as tall orders, considering that nobody in the kingdom would want to be declared an Oghionoba (enemy of the Oba).

    Arisco’s and his co-accused travails appeared to have just begun as nobody knows the next move of the Benin Traditional Council.

    During his first appearance in court, he was dressed in full regalia of a traditional ruler but at his next appearance, he did not wear cap or traditional beads.

    The case was adjourned to October 26 and there are ample indications that Arisco may remain behind bars.

     

  • Edo community honours Oshiomhole

    Edo community honours Oshiomhole

    For over three hours, the long procession of different clubs, age groups, associations and societies marched on major streets of Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, drumming, singing and dancing. Led by a team of power-bike riders, the colourful parade rounded off the week-long activities with cultural performances and award presentation to mark this year’s Sobe Day celebration. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME was there.  

    To a first timer, this year’s Sobe Day celebration could go for a carnival of sort. But, the yearly celebration, which attracted thousands of participants from within and in the Diaspora, meant more than that to the people of Sobe.

    To them, it is a rallying point for the development of the community as well as to commemorate the merger of Sobe with her kith and kin in Edo State in 1991. This year’s celebration was to raise funds for the completion of the new community town hall.

    •Oshiomole
    •Oshiomole

    Little wonder the community honoured Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole with “team leadership for unity and development of the community award” for the developmental projects executed in the town by his administration.

    Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Reginald Okun promised to deliver the award and the community’s messages to the governor. He also pledged to support the community’s town hall project with the sum of N200, 000.

    Also in recognition of the contributions of some of its illustrious sons and daughters, the community gave awards to no fewer than 14 recipients. They included the late Chief S.J Mayaki, the late Chief Andrew J. Sule, the late Pa Michael Arenrin, the late Odibiado of Sobe, Gold Omonikhe, the late Pa Eboh Addo and the late Chris Obadan.

    Others were Mr Francis Iruobe, Mr. Modupe Olomu, Bishop Pandit Oburekin, Pa Anthony Ehimiaghe, Mr. Olu Sikpojie, Special Apostle Funso Osoro, Chief Cletus Owuze and Mr. Joseph Oziren Igure.

    In the beauty pageant contest, Miss Bridget Egbezomo emerged Miss Sobe Day Queen and won a deep freezer while second place went to Miss Adelomo Udugbezi who won a flat screen TV, followed by Miss Blessing Desimoh who got a power generating set as third place winner.

    In his address, His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu, the Odibiado of Sobe land, said the slow pace of development in the community is not a function of lack of will to pool resources but that of global economic recession.

    “In terms of pooling our resources for development, not much has been achieved in this regard as a result of shortage of funds due to economic meltdown. However, our merger with our kith and kin has given us sense of belonging as we now feel at home with our people,” he said.

    •Odibiado of Sobe
    •Odibiado of Sobe

    The Odibiado of Sobe commended the developmental projects completed by Oshiomhole’s administration; citing the renovation of Sobe High School and renovation and fencing of St. Thomas Moore’s Primary School, Sobe as some of such projects. He, however, appealed to the Comrade Governor to post teachers to Sobe High School, reconstruct and equip the Science laboratory in the school.

    He assured that “on our part, we would support the present administration…We should come together and unite towards moving Sobe to greater heights.”

    He also urged parents to have time for their children and wards, noting that this has become necessary because of the high rate of crime in the community. He stressed that “our youths should engage in learning skill at the Skill Acquisition Centre in Sobe because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

    First Deputy Governor of Edo State Rev. Dr Peter Obadan described Sobe as a distinct clan that must not be treated as an appendage in any scheme and to be left as a single political ward is also an error.

    “Sobe is a great community that must not be deserted. It must be given the altitude to show forth her greatness in commerce, education, politics and agriculture. Let no other community neither marginalise your community nor let anyone despise your greatness.  I am persuaded that one day, a light will shine from Sobe that will lighten the hearts of men to the greatness of our nation and to the glory of God. Your glory will soon and very soon manifest,” Obadan added.

    In her address entitled “So, Love it is”, the chairperson of Sobe Day 2015 Dr. Kate Obasuyi enjoined all to embrace love as the only element that would drive patriotic zeal needed to make Sobe an enviable society.

    She said Sobe has a large heart for love to germinate and grow but that ‘we must bury all those grievances and animosities that create clog in the wheel of progress of Sobe community.’ She noted that Sobe has all the tools required to be great but that love is the only oil to make the tools work.

    “Politics and titles should not be used as weapon of disorganising our society. Rather, they have to be harnessed as tools for progress and development of Sobe. Let each and every one of us resolve today to be good ambassadors of Sobe through genuine love that promotes conflict resolution coupled with sincere spirit of forgiveness,” she added.

    Interim President Sobe Development Association (SDA), Mr Francis Uwaifo, who commended Governor OShiomhole for his developmental projects in the community as well as the state in general, however drew government’s attention to some urgent needs of Sobe High School which include the uncompleted school hall, science laboratory block and equipment, fencing of the school compound, provision of teachers and classrooms furniture, renovation of the dilapidated primary school at the Agricultural Farm Settlement and the renovation of St. Eugene’s Primary School.

    Others are the purification of water from the borehole sunk by the state government near the Skye Bank, the abandoned 19km Sobe – Sabongidda-Ora road which is A federal government project, the abandoned market project (a project handled by the past House of Assembly member Hon. Mike Ohio-Ezomo and the former Council Chairman, Hon Godwin Aigbodion ), the upgrading of the three health care centres in the community to a general hospital; effective use of the approved court in the community as well as the building of a standard police station to checkmate criminal activities in the community and its environs.

     

  • We’re scared of election, say Bayelsa women

    Bayelsa women are scared. They are afraid of losing their husbands, children and relations at the forthcoming December 5 governorship election in the state. They do not want their state to be turned into a theatre of war, bloodshed and brigandage in the name of election.

    The fears are genuine. They watched with shock how a primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), an exercise that was supposed to be a family affair, snowballed into violence and led to shooting, beating, kicking and machete attacks.

    They looked helpless as youths advancing the course of their political benefactor in the APC stormed the party secretariat, pulled down billboards, tore posters and banners and caused tension in the Yeni-Zuegene area of Yenagoa; demanding that the state Chairman of the APC, Mr. Tiwe Oruminighe, must be made the running mate of Chief Timipre Sylva.

    Besides, the women are terrified over controversies generated by the plan of a group of militants under the auspices of Mangrove Boys of Bayelsa (MBB) to lead a 10,000-man protest against Sylva.

    Despite how convincing MBB sounds on maintaining the peace during the protest, the women are nursing fears that such demonstration may lead to a bloody clash between Sylva’s men and the organisers.

    The Bayelsa women are yet to recover from the emotional trauma resulting from the war in their neighbouring Rivers State, where youths were mowed down in their prime and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed. It was an election, they recalled, that caused that sicken war.

    Such should not be their portion in the only Ijaw homogeneous state.

    What will the women do to stop looming electoral violence before, during and after the polls? They are pleading with security agencies to be at alert without compromising the rules of engagements. They are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to help them keep the peace of the state. The women have also started meeting to sensitise members of the public to the need for a violent-free polls.

    In the circumstances, therefore, women from various communities have unanimously decided to pool resources against all forms of electoral violence and intimidation ahead of the December 5 governorship election.

    They have gathered themselves under the umbrella of Women of Excellence (WE) coordinated by Mrs. Tari-Ere Gita to present a common front against violence. To this end, a seminar on electoral violence was held on Monday, October 12 at the Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

    Making their positions known, Gita, alongside the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Amaemi Bekeyei-Alaki and the group’s Non-Indigene Coordinator, Alexis Sowunmi, they maintained that all parties to the election should adhere to the rules of engagement.

    Gita said: “In recent past, Bayelsa State was smeared by violence, killings, kidnappings, cultism; state machinery was used to sponsor terrorism with political opponents as targets. Perceived enemies of government were not left out. Many indigenes of Bayelsa went into exile in neighbouring states and far-flung places”.

    Gita, however, enjoined all the parties to pursue peace and political tolerance, insisting that the election must be held in an atmosphere of civility, law and order.

    She called on politicians to desist from heating up the polity. She also urged security agencies to ensure protection of lives and property before, during and after the election. She urged them to arrest and deal with anybody promoting violence in the state.

    “We call on President Buhari to direct all relevant security agencies to ensure that people of Bayelsa are spared the anguish of political violence and wanton destruction of lives and property.

    “Mr. President must not be seen to encourage or tactically support electoral violence, and must therefore take appropriate steps to ensure that the election is free and fair.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State is held in accordance with the law and in line with international electoral best practices.

    “To our women, our aged citizens and the physically-challenged, we say come out and decide your future on December 5, this year. To our youths, we say shun violence,” she said.

    She said WE was established to promote political, economic and cultural dynamism inherent in every woman.

    Gita further said the association operates on the platform of unity of its members without prejudice to their educational and social status.

    She said the group advocates, among other things, women participation in governance, non-violence against women, strengthening of the home front, legislations, economic empowerment of women and peaceful co-existence.

  • One man’s hero, another’s villain

    One man’s hero, another’s villain

    There are rainbow-like opinions of Nigerians about his legacies. For some, he was a friend, brother and confidant. To his children, he was, perhaps, a father like no other. Some other people see him as the ultimate governor-general of the Ijaw nation and irrepressible Pan-Ijaw nationalist.

    To his people in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, he was god. However, the British government saw him as a common thief who should be in jail. Not a few people, especially outside of the Ijaw divide, shared the British view.

    His people’s love for him is understandable: Without Diepriye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, there wouldn’t have been Amassoma. He brought the university to them and built the roads. He turned the village to a mini-town.

    Until May 29, 1999, I had never really heard of him. I doubt if I followed his campaigns for governor of Bayelsa State. What struck me about this man, who died last Saturday, were his initials: DSP.

    Until he emerged on the political scene, DSP was associated with Deputy Superintendent of Police. But here was a DSP who was not a police officer. He was a state governor. Before becoming governor, he was in the military.

    Alamieyeseigha was flamboyant. He loved power and relished it until he met his waterloo in ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was removed as governor and ended in jail for money laundering.

    Some believe his ordeal was more political than an attempt to fight corruption. Ask his friend, James Ibori, who is in a British jail after admitting helping himself to Delta State’s money. Ibori believes Alamieyeseigha was not the corrupt one we were made to see. He said the ex-Bayelsa governor owned only one house; in his village, Amassoma. Really?

    That is not quite right. Alams, as many loved to call him, actually had other expansive homes in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. His massive compound in Amassoma is dotted with many beautiful buildings, not one house. They now belong to his surviving six children and wife. One of them, Oyemifa, died in a controversial circumstance in Dubai a year ago, leaving five sons and a daughter.

    With the opulence oozing out of his homes in Bayelsa and Rivers alone, DSP was not the austere man Ibori is presenting.

    Hear Ibori: “Alamieyesiegha became the victim of great hypocrisy masquerading as nationalism and anti-corruption fight. Alamieyesiegha was lied against, as heaps upon heaps of untruths were piled on him, and national hysteria replaced public discourse whenever the subject was Alamieyesiegha.“

    Before he was removed as governor and Dr Goodluck Jonathan made governor, Alams was arrested in London by the British police on allegations of money laundering. The story of how he got home remains not truly told until his sudden death.

    There were tales about how the British police allegedly let him escape on the pretext that they did not want to be used by Obasanjo to get at him. Ibori shares this sentiment.

    Ibori said: “Otherwise respected newspapers made up stories about how he returned from London. Though the man told his own story that he was put on an aircraft and taken out from London to the Ivory Coast, his story was never investigated to even find out if he was lying. It was unconscionable journalism. He was plotted against by those who swore they were fighting on the side of good even though they had taken high seats in the devil’s court. How many people would believe that Alamieyesiegha had only one house? And that is in his village, Amassoma!”

    I fail to see the sense in such tales. It makes no sense again, especially when the British police began moves to have him extradited. If they were the ones who let him go, why would they look for him after many years? And after he had done his time in Nigeria?

    I was looking forward to how the extradition would play out. I thought it would answer many questions about how he got home. Was he released by the British? Did he disguise as a woman to jump bail? These are questions I thought would soon be answered.

    Unfortunately, the man died and I doubt if we’ll ever find answers to these questions. Death has snatched the principal actor in this drama of our time. Whatever the likes of Ibori tell us now makes little or no sense. The main actor is gone. His story of the British letting him go seemingly falls flat with the latest development.

    DSP, bye! I never saw this sort of closure coming. Chances are high his remains will be interred at the Heroes’ Park, a special cemetery constructed by Governor Seriake Dickson for the interment of persons considered as heroes of Ijaw nation. One man’s hero is, sure another’s villain.

     

  • Communities benefit from firm’s agric programme

    Communities benefit from firm’s agric programme

    The Green River Project (GRP), which was established in 1987 by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), with the aim of pursuing food security and improving the lives of the company’s host communities in the Niger Delta is now yielding huge results.

    So far, 35,000 farmers in over 120 communities spread across the company’s operational states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Imo are now being provided with improved seedlings; agricultural materials and equipment; extension services; training and micro-credit schemes.

    The General Manager District of NAOC, Mr. Paolo Carnevale, who disclosed this during the 19th GRP Farmers’ Day celebration which took place at Obie in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, also revealed that about 225 new co-operative societies have been established while 265 existing ones have been strengthened.

    The company said through the projects, about 3,750 youths and women have been trained in various technical and vocational trades since 1999 to enhance job creation.

    Carnevale also said that last year, about 1,256 farmers were supported with inputs and service deliveries while 550 youths have been trained in skills acquisition programme with 57 co-operative societies being given support  by the company.

    Impressed by these achievements, he stated the company’s “willingness to continue strengthening the project” as it is relevant to Nigeria’s development plan, agricultural policy and vision 2020 as well as United Nations sustainable development goals.

    Also speaking at the event, with the theme: “Feeding the Nation, Energy for Life” the Managing Director of NOAC, Mr Massimo Insulla listed many other achievements the GRP has achieved in the four states, adding that it was why the company has decided “to highlight its successes at an international platform and promote stronger inter-governmental ties both at the state and federal levels for the development of the agricultural sector.”

    Insulla also said that in realisation of the objective of setting up the project, NAOC would take the Farmer’s Day celebration to international exhibition taking place in Milan, Italy very soon which would attract participants from about 140 countries.

    He further used the opportunity to commend the efforts of the four state governments, various research institutions and other organisations in partnering with NAOC to ensure that the GRP is a success.

    In his speech, the Chairman of NAOC, Mr Ciro Antonio Pagano, who described GRP as the company’s flagship, also stated that it is “our conviction that a better way of empowering the communities of Niger Delta states is to intervene and empower them to realise their full economic potential by harnessing and adding value to their God-given resources.

    “That way, more employment opportunities will be generated within the communities, earning capacities will be increased and reduce restiveness in the communities.”

    •Sonny Echono who represented President Muhammadu Buhari.
    •Sonny Echono who represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Sonny Echono, used the opportunity to explain all the programmes the Federal Government has mapped out to boost agriculture and make it more market-oriented and to create massive employment for youths.

    The President commended NAOC for establishing the GRP which he said is in line with the new agricultural drive of the Federal Government.

    Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo states that were represented by their respective deputy governors also commended NAOC for setting the GRP while Delta State that was represented by a staff of its Ministry of Agriculture also spoke in the same manner.

    Various categories of awards were given to the participating farmers’ groups and co-operatives while many traditional dance groups from the participating states featured at the occasion.

     

  • Lifeline for 17 farmer co-operatives in Delta

    Lifeline for 17 farmer co-operatives in Delta

    It was a carnival of sort penultimate weekend in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, as several local farming groups gathered to witness the inauguration of the Production and Processing Support Scheme (PPSS) by Governor Arthur Okowa.

    Also at the event, Okowa handed over 25 tractors and farm implements to 17 benefitting co-operative societies which had earlier signed an agreement with government under its tractorisation scheme.

    The tractorisation policy of the Okowa administration, according to Prof. Eric Eboh, Chief Job Creation Officer, is to promote private sector ownership and management of tractor services, adding that the policy will make tractor services accessible and affordable to farmers in a sustainable manner.

    The PPSS, an initiative under the Job Creation Scheme, aims at increased agricultural productivity through provision of inputs, equipment, technologies, micro-credit and technical assistance to local farmers.

    The first phase of the PPSS intervention covers six commodities namely cassava, plantain, vegetables, poultry, fishery and piggery.

    The mood at the event was upbeat as expectant co-operative groups waited for the unveiling of financial packages to them by Governor Okowa.

    Meanwhile, cool music serenaded guests who sat under white canopies fluttering in the cool morning breeze. Guests included top government functionaries, traditional rulers, politicians and agricultural producers, agro-processors and other agricultural value chain operators.

    In his speech, the Governor said the PPSS was an innovative approach to policy formulation and implementation strategies for effective economic diversification and self-reliance.

    He lamented that despite favourable climatic conditions, vast arable land and fertile soils, the country is yet to maximise her potential in agriculture production for economic growth, employment, job creation, import substitution and sustainable development.

    •Governor Okowa test-driving one of the tractors
    •Governor Okowa test-driving one of the tractors

    Okowa highlighted the factors militating against agriculture to include prevalence of subsistence farming, non-prioritisation of agriculture and agric-business at different levels of governance, poor storage facilities and absence of a sustainable value chain.

    He blamed the discovery of oil, stressing that with oil boom, agriculture became a drudgery and unappealing for millions of Nigerians.

    He said the PPSS and other policy initiatives are designed to turn around the fortunes of agriculture and make it attractive and appealing to youths.

    His words: “The PPSS and other policy initiatives of this administration are designed to turn the situation around. They are not only envisioned to engender improved processes, better output and profitability for existing farmers, but to make farming attractive and appealing to our youths.”

    He said PPSS was conceived to help overcome the problems of resource scarcity, poor technology and infrastructural deficits. Financial institutions should rise up to the challenge of agricultural financing with robust credit policies.

    He advised the beneficiaries to reciprocate government’s gesture by ensuring that they apply themselves diligently to their businesses.

    Earlier in his address, Prof. Eboh had said selection of beneficiaries was done carefully to ensure that the support packages reached the right target, adding that the selection process has been ‘inclusive, objective, fair, equitable and thorough’.

    He said the creation of a database of farmers has been a major achievement recorded under the PPSS, noting that the database had entries consolidated from a variety of sources.

    Eboh said the database is in line with the Know-Your-Farmer principle which is an international best practice in agricultural programming.

    He noted that finding markets for farmers has been an age-old problem which the Job Creation Office will, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Commerce, tackle.

    To this end, Eboh said plans have reached advanced stage to set up an Agriculture Marketing Solutions Coordinating Committee, adding that it will make recommendations to government on measures to tackle agricultural bottlenecks.

    According to him, the PPSP interventions will, “from now through the year-end generate direct and multiplier income benefits to the tune of more than N3 billion.”

    He assured that PPSS package will be monitored by an independent monitoring and evaluation group comprising specialists in livestock, crops and fisheries who will make periodic reports on farmers.

    A visually impaired farmer, Mr. Nkem Ofili who exhibited his farm produce at the event expressed happiness over government’s initiative, stressing that with the availability of loans, his tomato farm will have a new lease of life.

    He said following the successes of the last harvest, he plans to expand by planting Okro and cucumber.

    On why he prefers vegetable farming, Mr. Ofili said it was due to its short gestation period and because it is easily sold.

    He said: “We have a tomato farm and we have the intention of expanding it when we receive the loan. We have just finished our harvest and we are planning on planting Okro and cucumber. Vegetables are sought after by everybody. They have short gestation period. So, when we invest, within three or four months, our investment comes back.”

    According to him, the greatest challenge which his farming business is experiencing is access to loan facilities, adding that with the loan facility given to benefiting co-operative society, farming in Delta State will experience a new lease of life.

    Ofili said although he is visually impaired, he derives great pleasure when he touches his harvest.

    “I might not be able to see the products but with my sense of touch, I am gladdened that they came out well.”

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Rita Kairue whose co-operative society manages a poultry farm, expressed joy at being selected, adding that with the loan, her co-operative group will expand its egg production from 10 cartons to 100 cartons daily.

    “Our co-operative society is into poultry farming and with the loan given to us by government; we plan to increase our production levels from 10 cartons to 100 cartons of eggs daily. The loan has greatly impacted positively on our work.”

    For Tina Brown-Kporaro, President Omena multi-purpose Co-operative Society, Otu-Jeremi.Ughelli South Local Government Area, in the past, laudable government initiatives were often hijacked by politicians. He praised the Okowa administration for ensuring that the real farmers got financial assistance.   Mrs. Brown –Kporaro urged youths to form groups to enable them to benefit from the programme, stressing that with the loan, her co-operative will expand its farm capacity which currently is five acres.

    “We have waited so long for this kind of thing to happen. We are so glad that we are a part of it. We are into plantain, the full value chain of plantain farming from planting to processing into powder and chips for export.

    “We have five acres of plantain but with this loan, we will expand our capacity.

    “Most youths looking for white collar jobs should have a rethink. Delta State is blessed with arable land and, as such, they should work in the farms. They should look inwards. They should form themselves into groups so that they can access such loans.

    “Before now, this programme would have been hijacked by politicians, but this is the first time the women at the grassroots are benefiting from this government. This may be because Governor Okowa has put the right persons to run the agency.”

     

  • Youths seek upgrade of Maritime Academy

    Youths seek upgrade of Maritime Academy

    The youths of Akwa-Ibom State under the auspices of Akwa-Ibom Youth Council and Essu Nlap Oro Development Organisation (Supreme Council of Oron Youths) have urged the Federal Government to upgrade the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to a degree-awarding institution.

    The groups also urged President Muhummadu Buhari to boost the institution’s mandate to train more seafarers and secure the nation’s waterways, by supporting the present Rector, Dr. Joshua Enun Okpo to take the academy to a greater height.

    Speaking against converting the institution to a conventional degree-awarding institution, the groups said while a degree-awarding institution would develop technical manpower for the nation’s maritime sector, a university may cause the nation to lose its membership of the World Maritime Association.

    At a press conference held in Lagos, leaders of the groups, Mr. Gabriel Thompson and Ulap Chris Ebiefe-Ante, jointly recalled that the Academy, which was established in 1979, was solely to train middle level manpower and seafarers for the maritime sector.

    “In order to strengthen this mandate, the Oron people want the President to help and see to it that the institution is upgraded to a degree-awarding institution as it is obtainable in the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) which is created solely for the training of men and officers for the military,” Thompson and Ebiefe-Ante said.

    Speaking on the reappointment of the Academy’s Rector, Dr Joshua Okpo, for a second term, the group stated that the action of the President clearly shows that he is a leader who rewards excellence.

    “We hail President Buhari for his boldness, courage and patriotism in re-appointing Okpo, who is a high performing public officer. It has demonstrated that President Buhari is a leader who rewards excellence.

    “Okpo’s re-appointment is meritorious and well deserved because, in the past four years, the Rector has done very well in rejuvenating the academy and positioning it for a degree-awarding institution. He has succeeded in bringing the international maritime community into the academy by facilitating MoUs that would be taking the cadets on sea time,” Thompson said.

    This implies that as soon as they finish their national diploma, they go on sea time in international vessel. This is how we would build the maritime sector,” they stated.

    The groups added that the Cabotage Law was moved in Nigeria by the National Assembly because of the maritime school in Nigeria that would be producing manpower that would allow vessels to be run by Nigerians.

    “Today our vessels are being run by foreigners. This is not good for our economy; therefore there was a need for Cabotage Law. The thrust of this Cabotage Law was producing manpower for the sector.

    The academy is therefore vital to the improvement of the maritime sector, and the Rector is responding by working hard to ensure that the quality of the cadet meets world standard.

    “Due to the infrastructure renaissance under the leadership of the present Rector, he has acquired what is called 360 degree simulator.

    This equipment is to enable the cadet know how ships look like in the classroom which is the practical training of the vessel in the classroom.

    “When the President saw the success recorded under the present Rector, he re-appointed him for the second tenure,” the youths’ leaders told journalists.

    They, therefore, urged various groups petitioning against the Rector to desist from such act and allow him to focus on the duties that will benefit the academy and the nation as a whole.

    “We the youth in Oron community are monitoring the progress of the academy because it is the only landmark we have in that part of the Niger Delta. So, if things are not well run, the youth will rise against the leadership.

    “We are hoping that by the end of his second tenure, the academy would have attained an international standard with numerous infrastructural development and acquisition of simulators for both Deck and Engine Departments in line with Manila Amendments,” Ebiefe-Ante affirmed.

    He equally urged the Rector to continue with the good work and ensure that excellence and professionalism characterise his remaining tenure in the academy.

  • Residents jittery over killings, robberies in Delta communities

    Residents jittery over killings, robberies in Delta communities

    People living in the Oil City of Warri and environs and other parts of Delta State are living in constant fear once again. Unmitigated incidents of armed robbery, bizarre killings and other violent crimes spike in the commercial nerve centre and other communities of the oil-rich state.

    Investigations carried out by Niger Delta Report revealed that dozens of persons have been killed, maimed and robbed by daredevil robbers, whose operations have sent chill down the spines of residents and made the twin cities of Effurun and Warri living hell for inhabitants, within the past couple of weeks.

    Our findings revealed that seven persons were killed between Wednesday last week and the time of filing this report on Tuesday afternoon.

    On Wednesday, October 7, Mr Stephen Omare, younger brother to Frank Omare, a former Commissioner for Environment in the state, was shot by yet unknown gunmen around the Omimi Link Road between Refinery and NPA roads in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

    Eyewitness told our reporter that the young man, an engineer, was on his way to an appointment with some friends and his kinsmen at a popular hotel on Refinery Road when he was caught in the hail of bullets from his attackers. His car was badly riddled with bullets and he was pronounced ‘Dead on Arrival’ at a private hospital where he was rushed to shortly afterwards.

    A few days later, on a Sunday along Jakpa Road, a commuter was gunned down by armed men who rode in a tricycle (popularly called keke), around the White House (Asheshe) Road Junction. The cause of the broad day light murder was unknown, although some eyewitness told our reporter that the hoodlums who killed the young man ostensibly thought he was carrying cash.

    “They were probably trailing another victim, who was riding in a keke, because after shooting the man, they went in search of money inside the keke but could find none,” a bystander said.

    In-between those two cold blooded killings, there was a report about the shooting of a mobile policeman along the Okumagba Avenue area of Warri. The fate of the security agent was not immediately known.

    Similarly, there have also been reports of incessant robbery operations along the busy Airport Road and other parts of Warri and Effurun.

    Last Friday, several persons were casually dispossessed of cash and other valuables along the busy Airport road in broad daylight, despite the torrential downpour in the area. The criminals, who mostly rode in tricycle, wielded various sizes and calibres of firearms.

    The incidents have raised concerns over bloody “ember months” that are similar to that of 2011, when up to 100 people were mowed down across several areas by hoodlums who terrorised the state in Toyota Hilux vans, until the gang was neutralised.

    Already, people are fleeing the Udu/Orhumworun areas of the state following relentless attacks by knives, machete, broken bottle and cudgel-wielding cult gangs and armed robbers. The notorious groups have killed and maimed several people, as reported in Niger Delta Report of October 2.

    Mrs Omamurhomun Ukana, one of the latest victims of violent robbery in that area, was killed on her way home on Thursday, September 10. She was stabbed on the back, head and neck and bled to death shortly after the attack.

    A similar fate was visited on Mr Ogheneruona Oyibo, a staff of a state broadcasting outfit, who was lucky to survive with lifelong physical and psychological scars.

    Residents of the areas blamed the parlous security situation on the perceived neglect of the affairs of the Central and South districts of the state by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    “Since he assumed office, the regularly security meeting that used to be held in the Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri, has stopped. There is lack of government presence in these areas. The criminals are filling the void left by government’s absconding from its duty,” a source said.

    Recall that before his inauguration, the governor had reportedly vowed to close down Warri. Although Governor Okowa debunked the report, he is yet to attend any official function at the Warri Annexe, nearly five months into his government.

    A security source that spoke on condition of anonymity because of security reasons, said the usual government support to security agencies in the state have stopped, ostensibly due to paucity of funds.

    “Most of the security agencies are not getting the usual government support again. If you go to some police stations now, there is no patrol vehicle. I am particularly aware of the situation at Ugborikoko Police Station, which has just one patrol van and that was provided by the Inspector-General of Police, and not the state government,” the source added.

    However, a cross section of individuals who spoke with our reporter, accused the government and security agencies of not being proactive in tackling crime in the state. Some of them, who blamed the increase in robbery incident on joblessness and government’s tightening the noose on illegal bunkering, said these fallouts are expected.

    “If the security agencies are on top of their games, they should have nipped the crimes in their bud before what we are experiencing now,” a lawyer said.

    Speaking further, the lawyer, who is also a security expert, advised the state government to look inward, particularly by holding meetings with former militant leaders in the state.

    “Some of these guns are owned by ex-militants. Government should address the issue of ex-militants; the Governor should call them to a meeting and pressure them to rein in their boys. They know these boys, you can’t say you are a militant, you receive money from government and yet you are still terrorising the state.”

    Meanwhile, the state government recently appointed Mr David Tonwe as chairman of the state security apparatus. The move is seen as a bid to stem the wave of violent crimes across the state.

    Attempts to get Tonwe to speak on the unpalatable prevailing security situation were futile at press time, as he did not answer our call. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was also not reachable.

    However, a senior police officer in the Warri Area Command said the increase in robbery and other violent crimes was expected during the last three months of the year, stressing that the police was working on how to curb the marauding hoodlums.

  • Navy invades community of oil thieves

    Navy invades community of oil thieves

    Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman has just taken over the leadership of the strategically located Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy. The CNC has its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Its areas of operation, perhaps, have the largest deposit of petroleum, the mainstay of Nigerian economy.

    His body language indicates that he is a no-nonsense man and has a brief to confront oil theft head on without compromise.

    Suleiman, a former Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Apapa, Lagos State, took over from Rear Admiral Stanley Ogoigbe, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Navy headquarters, Abuja.

    Immediately he took charge of the command, Suleiman warned commanders, officers and ratings against compromising rules of engagement in their areas of responsibilities.

    He appealed to the naval personnel to be totally committed to their work and avoid actions that could tarnish the image of the Navy.

    He said: “I want to reiterate here that naval personnel should work with the right attitude. They should be committed to their work to realise the mission of the Nigerian Navy and for the interest of Nigerians.

    “For the commanders on ground, let me sound it loud and clear that the authorities of the Nigerian Navy will not tolerate any form of compromise on their part in carrying out their operations.

    “Collaboratively, we are going to do the job set out by the Chief of Naval Staff without compromises. The Navy will not tolerate those who aid and abet criminal activities. The Nigerian Navy is paying all of us well and we must justify it and portray the force in good light. We must do our work well to achieve the mandate of the force in tackling illegalities.

    “To my commanders, whether my seniors, sub-ordinates and contemporaries, I urge you all to join hands with me to achieve our collective goals. We must put the interest of the force and Nigerians at heart at all times.”

    He warned against committing premeditated errors, saying that such mistakes would attract necessary sanctions.

    There are indications that the character of Suleiman has strengthened the war against oil theft. The commander has, no doubt, hit the ground running. He took his campaign against oil theft to Bilabiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

    His troops invaded a notorious creek in the area where massive illegal deals on oil had gone on for a long time. The creek is like community of illegal refineries. The operators established six camps of illegal refineries and linked them together with big pipes.

    On sighting the troops, the operators abandoned the site and fled to different directions. The troops took over the cooking site.

    The troops also confiscated over N10.2 billion worth of stolen products consisting of two million litres of illegally-refined automated gas oil (AGO) and over one million barrels of stolen substances suspected to be crude oil. Six large Cotonou boats used by the suspected thieves to transport the products were impounded by the troops.

    Suleiman further explained that the command achieved the feat through a tip-off. He said the oil thieves operated on a landmass of over 100 hectares and created a black market for massive illegal deals on stolen petroleum products.

    He said the command deployed its patrol teams from Delta and Yenagoa to ensure daily surveillance of the camps and the impounded boats.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) was accompanied to the creeks by the Deputy Command Operations, CNC, Captain Mustapha Hassan and other senior officers.

    But Suleiman said destroying the camps as required by law, would lead to serious environmental pollution and detailed his men to take charge of the creek. He also ordered them to wait for further directive from the naval headquarters.

    A few days after the Bilabiri raid, Suleiman’s men nabbed 11 suspected workers of an oil exploration and production company for allegedly siphoning and selling crude oil from a wellhead in Bayelsa State.

    The suspected oil thieves were arrested at Eremor Field 1 at Peretorugbene town in Ekeremor Local Government Area. Suleiman said the suspects were apprehended from a vessel christened MT DERA 1.

    The vessel, which belongs to the exploration and production firm, was rounded up by naval troops during a routine patrol of oil facilities in the area. The FOC said he discovered that a pipe was connected from the wellhead to the vessel.

    He said the suspected thieves had already pumped crude oil valued at over 8,000 metric tonnes into the vessel when they were nabbed. Suleiman further said the oil firm was only authorised to take samples of the product from Eremor Field 1 but not to sell it out to buyers.

    He said: “Eremor Field 1 is not a loading point. So, selling of the product by staff of the oil firm was illegal.

    “They are only asked to take samples but from our investigation, we  understand that they have been selling the product from the barge.”

    The FOC revealed that the command, through investigation, discovered that members of staff of the company had sold 5,000 metric tonnes of the product. He further said the navy knew about the illegal deal when the buyer returned the product on the grounds that it was contaminated and then sued the exploration firm.

    The FOC noted that the suspects were handed over to the relevant agency while signals were sent to the Navy headquarters, Abuja for further direction. He warned persons involved in illegal oil activities in the area to desist from such nefarious activities forthwith or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

    He insisted that there would be no hiding place for oil thieves within the command’s area of operation, adding that troops have intensified patrol of the creeks.

    He said the Navy will continue to make illegal business of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sundry crimes unattractive. The FOC further warned that oil thieves should desist from all forms of illegalities and get involved in meaningful and legitimate businesses.

    He was accompanied on the raid by the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA; Commodore Aliyu Sule, Commander Nigerian Naval Base Yenagoa; Commodore Yakubu Wambai, Command Deputy Operation Officer and Navy Captain Mustapha Hassan, among other principal staff officers of the Central Naval Command.

     

  • Amaechi and the politics of appointment

    Amaechi and the politics of appointment

    Mark Anthony in one of Shakesapeare’s plays plays, Julius Caesar said “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I came to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones; So, let it be with Caesar.”

    This write-up is about bringing Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to the public domain and to let the people know why he should be made a minister. Before delving into why, it is pertinent to know that, Hon. Amaechi served the people of Rivers State in various capacities.

    He was Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly for eight years during which he stabilised the legislative arm of government. We are all living witnesses to what transpired there afterwards. He later became the executive governor of Rivers State for two terms. For those who do not know or might have forgotten in a hurry what his stewardship as governor was, I will tabulate just a few.

    It is unarguable that he built and fully furnished state-of-the-art primary schools in most communities of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. This was acknowledged by all well-meaning Nigerians and the international partner agencies. Besides, Amaechi won awards for the laudable initiative. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) national office in Abuja still has the records for doubting Thomases.

    Again, secondary education was not left out in the scheme of Amaechi’s stewardship. I am very happy they are physical structures; they are there for everyone to see.

    He also built health centres in most communities in the 23 local government areas. These health centres were fully equipped with medical doctors to attend to the patients. It should not be forgotten that drugs were equally provided in these hospitals and dispensed to patients.

    In order to make the people and the state self-sufficient in food production, Amaechi revamped the agricultural industry in Rivers State. We are all living witnesses to when the former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in Rivers State to inaugurate the projects.

    For free and easy movement, he expanded most of the roads in Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs; thus easing traffic congestions in the state.

    It is also on record that under his administration, peace and security returned to the state, as the incessant cult clashes were brought to the minimum. Besides, he was able to restore decency and order in Port Harcourt, the capital city by allaying people’s fears concerning the incessant kidnapping of expatriates and citizens.

    It is also on record that Hon. Amaechi remains one of the governors in Nigeria who drove themselves around the city as sitting governors without any fear of being attacked or molested by the people.

    Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is a detribalised Nigerian who believes in the oneness and unity of the country. Against all odds, he joined forces with other well-meaning progressives to fight the injustice in the then ruling party to bring about the much-needed change Nigerians have been yearning for.

    Feelers coming from the Senate have it that two Senators from the state must recommend his ministerial nomination. Unfortunately, the Senators from Rivers State are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and have drawn the battle line with Amaechi long ago. It was also reported that they have submitted a petition against him.

    But my view is that the Senators from Rivers State should allow national interest to prevail instead of allowing personal vendetta to guide their sense of reasoning at this point when the country is in dire need of competent hands to help stir the ship of this nation to the Promised Land.

    The Senators representing Rivers State should, as a matter of urgency, do a rethink and take a cue from their colleagues from Ekiti and Lagos and support the nomination of Amaechi. They should not deny the country of his service.

    Except they are telling Nigerians that Amaechi did not perform creditably as a governor for the eight years he served the state. Electioneering campaigns are over and this is the time for reality. The worst that could ever happen to Nigeria and Nigerians in this dispensation is to be denied of the service of this young, dynamic, energetic, straight-forward looking man for the sake of bitter politics.

    If we have a few more Amaechi in Nigeria, we would be better for it. Nigeria is in dire need of his kind.

     

    • Moses Animikhenal is a former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo and currently resides in Abuja.