The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

No end yet to my dilemma (2)

The time was some minutes past nine when I read the last lines of The Dame of Our Time. I had never read it in such a record time of three hours, being a particularly slow reader. I soon went into some sort of day-dreaming and as I was coming out of it, my mobile phone came alive. First, I was startled. Later I picked it up and my guess about the caller’s identity was right.

“What is it again?” was the first thing I said to this friendly voice.

“Nothing much. Just to remind you of the deal…”

“I have told you times without number that I have got no deal with you…”

“My friend,” he shouted, “this is an important call, and it will be in your own interest not to trivialise it. I’ve called you to lend you the only money I’ve got. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. And whatever you do after now will tell me whether you are wise or not. I am giving you a last chance. The last chance to name your price or allow me to force one on you.”

He paused. Perhaps for emphasis. I was not moved by anything he had said. And not until later in my life did I truly understand the purpose of this particular call.

“So, what is your price?”

I felt he was insulting me. How could he assume that he could put a price on my intellectual property? I just did not answer him. And he got furious.

“In the part of this country where I come from, there is a wise saying that when you are trying to save a hen from death, it feels you are robbing him of the right to feed from the garbage dump. I can see clearly that you are not different from the hen. You are still blind now. But time will heal you of your blindness. And then it will be too late,” grunted the unfriendly voice.

As far as I was concerned, he was only trying to threaten me so as to sell my conscience. And I was not ready to do that. Not now and not later.

“Bye. Good-bye.” And the phone was hung.

By now darkness had enveloped everywhere. The whistle of the night-watchman could be heard from some distance. The weather was cool. And gentle breeze was ruling. My eyes were beginning to play some tricks on me when the phone rang. Who could it be again? After all, my tormentor had told me that he would never call me again. Perhaps he forgot to tell me something. I was convinced he was the one on the line. But I was dead wrong.

The next morning, a group of men from the Department of State Security came for me. I was accused of trying to blackmail the First Dame. I was charged to court and they made sure the case dragged on for months while I was remanded in prison.

After months of time wasting, I was discharged and acquitted. But it took some weeks later before it became clear to me that there was a link between my months in jail and my novella The Dame of Our Time. It never crossed my mind that my months in prisons had anything to do with my ex boss who lied and committed all kinds of atrocities. But the link was established one day in my house shortly after I regained my freedom. A young man I could not place his face came asking for me. I was damn sure I had not seen that face before but his voice sounded very much ‘familiar’ to me. I knew I had heard it before. But whose?

I could not answer that question until this young man started spinning the yarn, or more appropriately, spilling the beans.

He told me that he was the mysterious caller who was bombarding me with strange calls shortly before I was arrested and tried for a sin I knew nothing about. If that revelation shocked me, what followed left my mouth agape. He revealed to me that it was my refusal to co-operate with them by insisting on publishing the novella that made Mama Peace implicate me.

And more terrific for me was his revelation that the pictures, which led to the end of my relationship with my fiancée were his handwork. He told me how they had trailed Kaira and me to that restaurant, taken the shots without our knowledge and how they had got my fiancée’s address and mailed them to her. According to him, they did all these to break me, to put pressure on me so that I would not be able to publish The Dame of Our Time which he told me Mama Peace felt would tarnish her image and deplete her followers.

At this stage, I could not but ask him how they got to know about the book. And this was another shock to me. He told me someone told them. When he mentioned the person’s name, it turned out to be the same person who had told me of Mama Peace’s many misdeeds. Why he had gone back to them was a mystery I would never be able to unravel. Perhaps he was afraid Mama Peace would find him out. Perhaps he discovered he had a stake in the First Family. Perhaps. And a whole lot of perhaps.

The young man would not leave my office until I told him I had forgiven him. Forgive, yes but would I ever forget? Certainly not!

•This article, first published on March 27, is reproduced because of technical mix-up.

May 8, 2015
Humanity is plagued by injustice

This Synod is very special not only because it is coming immediately after the March and April general elections but also because of its theme “Go Forward” which I consider very fitting.

At this critical time of our nationhood, particularly in our dear Rivers State, no theme would have been more apt. Therefore as a people, we must “Go Forward” in justice, truth, faithfulness, fairness, and love. Anything short of these Godly virtues will not only be counterproductive but also antithetical to God’s commandment.

The social dimension to our country’s political crisis was never more evident than during the last general elections when violence, deliberate falsehood and misinformation took a dangerous turn. But for your prayers, I am not too sure we would all be gathered here today.

But more significantly, the whole world is troubled. Today, humanity is plagued by injustice, intimidation, oppression, impunity, economic challenges of very high dimensions, hopelessness, social strife, anarchy, avarice and unprecedented hatred of man by fellow man.

Almost every part of the world, from the Gulf States, Latin America and Europe to Africa and Asia, mankind faces the most fearsome challenges ever. Every day, we wake up to gory tales of natural and manmade disasters everywhere.

In Nigeria, we know how our people, particularly in the North East have fared under terrorists. This same tragedy orchestrated by Islamic terrorist groups is also playing out in the Arab world.

Some weeks ago, the world woke up to the sad news of how over 150 Christian students in Garissa, a university town in Kenya were brutally murdered in their sleep by marauding Islamists who are members of the murderous Al-Shabab group in Somalia.

We are also witnesses to the xenophobic madness in South Africa that has led to the brutal murder and destruction of properties of people of colour in the former apartheid enclave. As we speak, more black Africans are still being killed in South Africa.

You are therefore gathering at a most auspicious time in the history of mankind. The world needs healing and as men of God and intercessors, I urge you to spare sometime at this Synod and pray for peace in the world.

I need not overemphasize the fact that as human beings, we share a common humanity. It is therefore in our best interest, irrespective of race, colour or creed to build a free, safe and progressive world. I am confident that the peace and progress we seek as a nation will be accelerated with your intervention at this Synod.

In conclusion, I wish to congratulate Opobo Archdeaconry for the rare opportunity of hosting the 1st Session of the 22nd Synod. May the blessings of this august gathering abide with us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

•Excerpts of a speech delivered by Jaja, caretaker chairman of Opobo/Nkoro, at the 1st Session of the 22nd Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Niger Delta.

May 8, 2015
Itsekiri groups seek Amnesty Programme’s review

The leaderships of two Itsekiri ethnic organizations in Delta State, the Itsekiri National Development Initiative, and Itsekiri Amnesty Beneficiaries, have written to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President-elect Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on the need to review perceived unfair policies of the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The groups called for the review of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which they perceived as being unduly skewed in favour the President’s Ijaw kinsmen at the expense of other groups in the region.

INDI, in the letter by Comrade Dennis Mene and Tsaye Edeyibo, Chairman and Secretary, congratulated Gen. Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo “on their merited resounding and well-deserved victory” in the March 28 election.

They said the incoming Number 1 and 2 citizens represent the virtues of integrity and consistency which the nation and all Nigerians needed at such a critical time as they facing.

“We are confident that under your leadership, Nigeria will once again enthrone equity, justice and fairness so as to make room for peaceful co-existence. We pray that God would grant Gen. Buhari and his team the wisdom and understanding to elevate Nigeria to enviable heights among the comity of nations.”

The group condemned perceived selective implementation of the amnesty programme by the outgoing administration, particularly its slant towards the president’s kinsmen to the detriment of other ethnic groups, particularly the Itsekiri ethnic group.

“We frown at the selective implementation of the presidential Amnesty programme especially as it concerns the Itsekiri beneficiaries. The Itsekiri were given just 500 slots and less than 100 have been sent for their studies.

“We have over 100 Itsekiri students with admissions to study in the United Kingdom for their Masters and PhD as well as 300 skilled and vocational, which up till date are yet to be sponsored; while it is on record that the Ijaws are regularly being sent for their studies/training overseas.

“Among the beneficiaries 73 of them are yet to receive their monthly stipend from January to December 2013, although this has been brought to the attention of the Amnesty office, they have remained mute about it,” they added.

Consequently, the INDI urged that “the incoming Buhari-led administration to investigate, review and restructure the current Presidential Amnesty Programme with a view to ensuring fair play, equity and justice for all beneficiaries under the programme so that maximum dividend of the programme will rebound to the advantage of the Nigerian Society.

“We have no doubt that the incoming administration will entrust the programme into the hands of credible managers and persons of enviable integrity and moral rectitude. We do hope the remaining Itsekiri beneficiaries both educational and vocational yet to be trained will be trained in your administration.”

Similarly, the group kicked against the purported expulsion of their kinsmen, Dr Alex Ideh, Hon Temi Harriman and Sunny Mene from the All Progressive Congress in Delta State, describing it as witch hunting of their kinsmen.

“We warn those behind this dastardly to retrace their steps against the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.”

Peter Tidi and Bokhan Otone of the Itsekiri Amnesty Beneficiaries while facilitating with Buhari and Osinbajo, on their well deserved victory, also called for a review of the amnesty programme to stop “victimisation of the Itsekiri amnesty beneficiaries.

“We appeal to the incoming government to ensure full implementation of the Presidential Amnesty programme based on equity, justice and fair play. This is because the Itsekiri ethnic group has been unduly victimized in the programme so far.”

May 8, 2015
DELSU VC reels out institute’s feats, trials at 9th convocation ceremony

The Delta State University, Abraka, last Saturday held its ninth convocation and award ceremony for regular and weekend graduates during the 2013/2014 academic year. The event was a unique in many aspects, particularly as it marked the end of the usual long and endless wait by graduands for collection of their certificates after completing their studies.

The Institute’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Victor Peretomode, disclosed that for the first time, it was possible for those who graduated to get their certificate on the same day without hassles. He used the occasion to highlight some of the other milestones achieved by DELSU since its inception and under his leadership.

The Vice Chancellor, who addressed newsmen at the main campus of the university, elaborated on, not just the ceremony, but the activities of the university, its achievements, setbacks and its plan towards achieving excellence through the use of technologies.

•The Senate building

“We are constantly reviewing standards to enable us be at par with international standard. We have a vision of using multiple technologies in teaching, learning and innovation”, he said, adding that plans were afoot to ensure that lectures delivered at the main campus in Abraka are received simultaneously by students in Oleh and Asaba campuses.

He spoke of plans to provide wireless internet facilities at the staff quarters and hostels as part of effort to make information easily assessable for staff and students alike. “It will also reduce the risk associated with lecturers driving from one campus to the other to deliver lectures,” he added.

The VC, who was accompanied by deputy vice chancellors in charge of Administration and Academics, Prof Mrs R.O Aziza and A.E Anigala respectively; Ejiroghene Udjor and Mrs R B Oki, Registrar and Librarian as well as the Rectors of the Oleh and Asaba campuses among others, said the most important “‘First’ achieved by the present management of DELSU was an upgrade that ensured that all 9,607 students who passed out at the Saturday’s convocation got their certificates immediately.”

He said, “Using technology, for the first time we are doing something very innovative. Graduands would pick up their certificates at convocation. Certificate will be given to all those who are receiving awards while others can pick theirs immediately after the ceremony.

“Most of our students after NYSC will be engaged in their own jobs and be employers of labour. The university has come a long way and is achieving the purpose for its establishment,” he enthused, adding, “With effect from next year, if a final student fails a course he will just come and write that course, not the present practice of asking them to take up to 15 course units; we feel that is not necessary.

“We are also looking at the possibility of changing a situation where students who fail a second semester course are asked to wait for a year. In the alternative, they can take a similar course being offered in the next semester so they can complete their courses and go for the NYSC without the unnecessary delays.”

“We have also awarded contracts for the procurement of vehicles and our deans would soon be riding in brand new Toyota Hiluxes and we have procured vehicles for principal officers of the institute. We have also awarded contract for the procurement of waste crunch and disposal vehicles. Also, we awarded contract for physiotherapy lab (fitness lab) and an indoor sports hall. We have procured X-ray machines and we are expecting additional three.”

And to improve relationship between the university community and its Abraka host, the VC disclosed that the institute, working with one of its contractors, resurfaced the main road leading from the Eku-Agbor expressway to its Campus (Site) II. He said a similarly work was ongoing in another part of the town, including the realignment and dualisation of the windy internal road network of its Main Campus (III).

He said the institute was also looking inward to tackle manpower challenges in critical areas by absorbing some of the brightest students in key areas like medicine, pharmacy, accounting and engineering, adding that one of the beneficiaries was Mr Lawrence Uche, who was given automatic employment after his graduation.

“As in the case of Mr Lawrence Uche, we will repeat that but we will have to look into areas of need. We have to be very careful because we don’t want inbreeding, especially for students who have lived here all their lives, who had their basic, primary and secondary education in Abraka and other campuses.

Despites the strides recorded by the institute, Prof Peretomode noted that several challenges were militating against management achieving its set objectives. He particularly lamented the challenges of electricity power, cultism and examination malpractices and incessant abduction of lecturers and other staff of the institute.

Specifically, he noted that the institute spends up to N12million naira monthly on diesel used to generate electricity for its activities. As a result, he said it was not possible to achieve 24-hour electricity supply until the university community is connected to a dedicated electricity supply line from the national grid.

Meanwhile, events leading to the ninth Convocation Ceremony commenced on April 24 with a Jummat service and an interdenominational Christian service held at the Our Saviour Chapel on 26 April. There were also drama presentation by the Department of Theatre Arts and art exhibition by the Department of Fine and Applied Arts.

The Convocation lecture, titled “Catalytic Metamorphosis of Nigerian university education”, was delivered by a visiting professor to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Samuel Oyebandele. The VC described the lecture as very enlightening and beneficial to the staff and students.

The State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan also inaugurated projects executed by Prof Peretomode and his successor, Professor Eric Arubayi. They included the Senate Council Chamber, Postgraduate Student hall and firefighting trucks. The projects were financed through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and internally generated revenue.

The VC explained that the firefighting trucks were procured to stem recent fire incidents, which ravaged property worth several millions of naira. He further disclosed that the gesture was being replicated in the Asaba and Oleh campuses of DELSU.

The Governor, in his address at the event joined the call against proposed scrapping of weekend programmes by the NUC, saying, “The NUC (Nigeria University Commission) should first evaluate the advantages of weekend programmes before scrapping it. I stand here to lend my voice to those calling on NUC not to scrap weekend programmes not because of financial benefits to the universities but, because there is a lot of people out there who will not have the opportunity of having education without weekend programme.”

Meanwhile, giving a breakdown of 9,607 graduands at the ninth convocation ceremony, Prof Peretomode said, “Of the 8,148 first degree students, 13 made First Class and they are three from the Faculty of Arts, while four each came from the faculties of Science and Management Science and two from Basic Science.

“Eight hundred and fifty-nine students made Second Class Upper (2-1) while 4,199 made Second Class Lower (2-2). There were 2,824 while 184 are leaving with Pass.

“There are also 248 unclassified degrees, those from Medicine and Surgery etc. their results are not classified even though there are some that would have made distinction because of their result,” Prof Peretomode added.

Similarly, he disclosed that there were 560 Masters’ Degrees and 206 Postgraduate Diplomas as well as 848 diploma certificates of which 151 came out from the Faculty of law, where 37 graduated with credit, 99 merit and 15 passes.

Of the 37 students that graduated from the Engineering Faculty three had distinctions while there are 20 and 14 with Credit and Merit passes respectively.

May 8, 2015
Ijaw/ Itsekiri’s stand on Amnesty Programme beyond May 29

Their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, lost his second term bid to retain the juiciest political position in Nigeria, but the ex-militants and their leaders are determined not to go down with him. They have resolved to work with the President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

Instead of resorting on their initial threats to destabilise country, the umbrella body of the ex-freedom fighters, Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), was among the groups that congratulated Gen. Buhari and pledged to work with him.

But the former creek warlords predicated their support on the sustenance of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They said they would not dream of returning to the creeks or disrupting oil production as long as the incoming President retain the Amnesty Office and allow it to maintain the status quo.

In fact, that was the idea behind the congratulatory message sent to Gen.Buhari by the National President, LPCDI, and former notorious militant leader, Pastor Reuben Wilson. The ex-militant leaders through Wilson hailed Buhari for his victory at the poll, but begged him not to abandon the amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

He warned that there would be no peace in the region if the Presidential Amnesty Programme is neglected or abandoned. He further stated that, if the Niger Delta is neglected as it was in the past, the ex-militant would use every resource at their disposal to stop oil production.

But few days after LPCDI presented a serious case backed by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in favour of the continuation of the Amnesty Programme, a former Itsekiri warlord, Chief Ayiri Emami, urged Gen. Buhari to stop the programme. He even demanded a thorough probe of the operation of the programme. Emami argued that the use of arms in the name of a struggle should be treated as terrorism.

He said: ”If the layman’s understanding of the word amnesty is anything to go by, then it presupposes an arrangement where militants who genuinely turn in all their arms and ammunition are rehabilitated, re-oriented and trained with a view to reintegrating them to everyday societal living.

“In the ordinary sense of it, any person or group that picks up arms in the name of struggle or agitation ought to have been treated as terrorists, hence nobody or group should take the gesture of the federal government for granted.

“Amnesty should not be continuous; partially giving out money to youths from a particular ethnic nationality is wrong, sending some of them abroad for training without any visible impact on the Niger Delta and the nation at large is counter-productive.”

Undoubtedly, Emami stirred the Hornets’ comb. His counterparts are up in arms against him. Wilson, who represents the interests of many of the formerly dreaded ex-militants, immediately replied him. He appealed to Gen. Buhari to ignore him.

He insisted that the call by Emami that the amnesty should be discontinued was made in bad faith and premised on his pathological hatred for the Ijaw nation.

He insisted that the call was based on a misconception that the programme was benefitting only the Ijaw. Wilson, however, explained that the amnesty programme was designed for all the Niger Delta ex-militants.

He said: “The amnesty is for all ex-freedom fighters, and if the Ijaws are in majority, it then means they were more actively involved than any other tribe in the Niger Delta liberation struggle.

“Moreover, the Ijaws are in majority in the Niger Delta and the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria. Therefore, it is natural for the Ijaws to dominate the Presidential Amnesty Programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta, owing to their population and active involvement in the Niger Delta struggle.”

The way things stand, Gen. Buhari, except for a change of heart, may not scrap the programme. What may happen may be some form of re-organisation, which Wilson and others appear against. They seem to think the programme is perfect finish and should be left as the way it is.

Post-May 29 will determine the programme’s fate.

May 8, 2015
Southsouth youths warn against NDDC’s scrap

Youths of the Southsouth, under the aegis of Southsouth Youth Patriotic Movement for Ultimate Peace and Justice (SSYPAM), have advised against the scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

They also expressed their unalloyed supports for the in-coming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

The youths, who prayed for God’s directives to the President –elect  to  successfully bring the needed change, peace and stability in Nigeria, warned those clamouring for the dissolution of the NDDC to desist forth-with in the interest of sustained peace in the country.

The group, in a statement in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, congratulated the General for his victory at the polls and also asked him to ignore the calls against the commission, noting that those calling for the scrapping of the agency do not mean well for his government and the Nigerian’s oil-rich region.

In the statement signed by their National President, Chinagorom Nwonkwo, they explained that the establishment of the Commission resulted in the peace being experienced in the region and safety of Federal Government’s investments/ oil installations in the area, stressing that the interventions being provided by the commission in the hitherto neglected area and their youths was responsible for the militancy and youth restiveness witnessed in the region before.

Nwonkwo gave pass mark to the managers of the commission, especially the present Board but noted that the commission is being crippled by under -funded and even heavy debts.

“We are calling on those demanding for scrapping of NDDC put a stop to it and give support to the commission to achieve the mandate of developing the region that produces the wealth which the nation enjoys.

“NDDC from its inception has performed very well but due to scarcity of funds, it has continued to face the challenge of the level of performance as expected by the people.

“The commission from the time of set-up has initiated and completed several structural projects in the region and also engaged in human development and empowerments programmes  for the people of the region, both locally and internationally, despite the challenge of under-funding and huge debt being owe it by the Federal Government,

“Presently the commission is being owed a cumulative sum of N700 billion, if this amount is released to the Commission, it will go a long way in meeting the yearnings of the people of the region to the admiration, appreciation of the entire country.” They said.

Speaking on the gains of the establishment of the agency has made said, “We also want to state that those calling for the scrapping of NDDC to first ask themselves, how youth restiveness in the region was drastically reduced?, how militancy became a thing of the past in the region among other.

“The existence of the commission for the marginalised and abandoned region has made it possible for youths from the region to get small ticket jobs, contracts which they execute and get empowered to boost their economic well-being and that of their family members.

“We are therefore calling on well- meaning Nigerians to support NDDC and its good works, instead of condemning it. We are also using this medium to call on President-elect  to ignore the call and map out strategies for effective and adequate funding of the commission  as soon as he assumes office next month to enable the commission deliver on its mandate.” They appealed.

May 8, 2015
Ex-militant under threat over Buhari

The National President, National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, (NCNDE-A), Israel Akpodoro, has said his life is under threat over his support for Presidential-elect Mohammadu Buhari.

Akpodoro said he ran into an ambush by the suspected gunmen last Wednesday.

The ex-militant was on his way from Port-Harcourt shortly after Mbiama junction where the Coalition held a pro-Buhari meeting.

His aide, Bernard Ochuko, who spoke to our correspondent, the Urhobo-born ex-militant leader was rescued by some truck drivers who ran to the scene.

He stated further that his boss has gone into hidden while receiving treatment from native doctors.

Akpodoro’s travail, according to Bernard, began shortly after a meeting of the ex-militant leaders in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital where Governor Seriake Dickson was the chairman.

At the meeting, he stated that, Akpodoro expressed a divergent view as against the directive by senior officials of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration that all ex-militants must gear up for war should General (rtd) Muhammadu Buhari win.

He further stated that the Coalition leader vehemently opposed the general consensus as he was bullied out of the meeting with threats from other notable ex-militants at the meeting.

Akpodoro, he said, has escaped assassins’ bullets on more than three occasions. “He receives anonymous calls at odd hours telling him that his life was in danger.”

As a result of the incessant threats, Akpodoro’s aide said his boss had to relocate his children out of their home into hidden and in hidden he said they were to date.

“This recent attack is one in a series of such attacks that my boss, Israel Akpodoro, has been subjected to since the Yenagoa meeting and subsequent adoption of General Muhammadu Buhari, by the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators.”

May 8, 2015
The evil men do

The Chidi Odinkalu-led panel on politically-motivated killing in Rivers State began sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Monday. Not a few were taken aback by this development given reports that a court had stopped it from going ahead with the probe of the death of several people before, during and after the elections in the oil-rich state.

When the panel began its sitting, Odinkalu explained that no member of the panel had been served.

Only a handful of witnesses gave their testimonies that day. One key case that came up that day was that of the Adubes and their friends who were killed by yet-to-be identified men.

Adube, a former council chair, his three children and five others ‘related’ to him one way or the other were killed in his house. He was obviously the target. But the killers did not want to leave any trace. They perhaps also wanted to teach him a lesson by wiping out almost his entire family.

The sort of evil that men do should not just live after them, it should catch up with them while they are still on this side of the earth and make sure they pay serious restitution for their sins against God and humanity.

The men who killed the Adubes and others should not go scot free. They must be found out and made to face the music. There should be no hiding for the wicked. Chikena!

May 8, 2015
David versus Goliath

•Octogenarian battles Delta govt over family land
•We need it for public interest, says commissioner

The inauguration of Effurun flyover was widely celebrated, not only by the people of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, but by other residents of the state and users of the federal highways passing through the community.

Owners of nearby property and businesses were optimistic that the development would open up fresh vistas of businesses, increase the value of their property and bring increase patronage and prosperity. Property owners are already seeing jumps in the value of property and investments in the area.

•ijeki land with ongoing construction of Shoprite in the background

But for Madam Modupe Edemirubra Ijeki and her family, the ceremony morning is bringing closer the fear of losing their multimillion naira heirloom. They watched the pomp and fanfare that marked the inauguration ceremony with feeling trepidation and uncertainty over their future because of an alleged threat by the state government to demolish the property, which already bore the dreaded ‘X’ mark of the state Ministry of Land and Urban Development.

The property is a rough diamond; outwardly it seems like a collection of shanties, dilapidated bungalows and makeshift structure. But they sit atop one of the most valued part of the business capital of Delta State. The dualisations of the vital Effurun-Warri Road and recent facelift for the busy Refinery Road and ongoing construction of an international shopping mall, among other developments have increased value of land and office spaces in the area. But there is no joy for the Ijekis

The octogenarian Madam Ijeki, a widow, said prior to the ceremony the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had personally visited her compound and ordered her, her children and grandchildren to seek alternative accommodation because the row of bungalows on the property have been marked as illegal structure, which would be demolished.

“How can the home that I have lived in even before the governor was born now become an illegal structure simply because they want to forcefully take over the land and use it for their personal business?

“I have lived here since I was born; it is the only home that I know, except for when I was in my husband’s house. I have brothers and sisters and relations who were all born here. Our forefathers were born, lived and died and buried here and now we must leave!”

The told Niger Delta Report that a section of the property is also home to the Egbegbeje shrine and about nine graves where at least four generations of her ancestors were buried.

Our reporter’s visit to the site last Friday revealed that expansive compound and surrounding land is bordered by a similar property owned by the Aziza family at the edge of the Refinery Road on the East; Effurun-Sapele Road (Agric Junction) on the north and under-construction Shoprite (Delta Mall) on the South and West.

A valuation carried out by the renowned estate surveryors and valuers, Chris Oghene Omoru & Co, put the size of the property at 1,878.375square meters with approximately 31percent of it fully developed. “The remaining 69 percent of the site is used for landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian as well as aerial circulation for effective natural ventilation of the premises.” A copy of the report was given to our reporter.

A site layout plan contained in the valuation report indicated that the property contained five bungalows, seven auxiliary structures, a building foundation and several kinds of fruit trees and plants. The bungalows have a total of about 15 bedrooms and several living rooms as well as stores, warehouse and offices among others.

Independent investigation carried out by NDR revealed that the Delta State Government is acquiring the property and other adjoining land through the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development for “overriding public interest”.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Hon Ben Igbakpa told our reporter that the area is earmarked as the site of the Effurun Terminus of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) initiative of the state government, which has evolved severally since it was started about two years ago.

Igbakpa, who spoke in a telephone interview, clarified that the BRT, which is at an advanced stage on the Phase 1, starting from the flyover bridge to Enerhen Junction, was delayed because it had to be expanded to take three traffic at each sides of the road. As a result, he disclosed that the size of land needed increased from seven metres on either side to nine metres.

“The initial plan for the BRT was seven metres, but it had to be increased to nine meters in order to take three traffics at the left and right at the corridors of the BRT lanes.

“The present administration is still determined to carry on with the project and it will be complete to the first phase, which terminates at Enerhen Junction. We hope that the new administration, which is also PDP, will continue with the original plan (second phase), which is to end at Ugbuwangue Market in Warri,” the commissioner added.

However, a male member of the Ijeki family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed reservation about the true reason behind government’s acquisition of their land and those of other families around the Effurun flyover bridge. He said the family suspected that the state government was hiding under the guise of ‘overriding public interest’ to hijack family land for private concerns.

“We all know that our land is close to the Shoprite that they are building; the construction is going at the same speed as most of government projects in the area because they want it completed before May 29 so that the governor can add it to the list of his achievements. The question is: ‘Why is the government so interested in the success of this private concern?’

“Shoprite is not even a Nigerian business concern; it is owned by South African firm and we are hearing that some government officials have stakesin it. So, could it be that Governor Uduaghan and his official are harassing us because they want to hijack our land for Shoprite?”

However, the Commissioner for Transport insisted in the chat with our reporter that the acquisition was for the BRT terminal. He said the Uduaghan administration’s vision was motivated by the desire to improve the economic wellbeing of the state and its citizens through development of infrastructure critical to diversifying the economy.

He assured that, contrary to fears of landowners in the area, no property would be acquired without payment of compensation. In fact, he said the issue of compensation payment had reached advanced stage, stressing that he was personally involved in the process to ensure it was speedily and fairly done.

“The matter is now in the Executive Council and we expect to have approval within the shortest possible time. It will be done transparently and will be fair to all concerned,” Igbakpa assured.

Despite the assurance, there are concerns that several loose ends abounds. For instance, Mrs Clementine Erute, one of the descendants of Ijeki, who owns a bar in the compound, faulted the processes adopted by the government for the acquisition. She insisted that the government acted without the interests of its citizens.

She slammed the governor for allegedly referring to buildings within the property as illegal structure saying, “It is wrong to say that a place where our 80-year-old matriarch was born and where hundreds of other children have been born and raised for more than a century is illegal place. Nobody would like to hear. How would he feel if we call the place of his birth illegal?”

Similarly, our findings revealed a wide gulf between the families’ expected compensation and what the government would actually pay. For instance, the private firm commissioned by the Ijeki family for the valuation estimated the property at N165,327,195. Although NDR could not ascertain the figure approved for the property, reliable government sources said it was less.

Our findings further revealed that in the highly unlikely situation where the compensation is amicably and swiftly resolved, the issue of time needed for relocation might be a snag. Mrs Erute told our reporter that they were reliably informed that the government would allow them a mere three days for relocation as soon as they are compensated.

She accused the governor of taking advantage of her family’s poor standing to maltreat them. “It is because he sees us as poor people that is why he is able to act with this level of impunity; if there was a mansion standing here he would not give us three-day notice to move out. How can you expect an aged woman with grandchildren living with her to get a place in three days and move out?”

Also, Madam Ijeki insisted that the graves of at least nine famous patriarchs and matriarchs of the family as well as the shrine must be relocated after due appeasement sacrifices. The cost of performing the appeasement and actual relocation are put at over N25m.

Information gathered from experts and Uvwie elders revealed that the ceremonies, relocation of graves and appeasement of deity to enable the shrine allocation are processes that required up to several weeks and even months to be effectively done.

On the other hand, the octogenarian had vowed that unless the rites are performed, she would not budge in her demands. “Except they do all these, I would be waiting for them to come and crush me with the bulldozers. I have lived for over 80 years and I will not stand by and allow anybody steal my family land. Even if it is the governor that comes here, I will be waiting and am ready to die in his arm,” she vowed.

May 1, 2015
How company’s negligence threw Bayelsa communities into darkness

The popular suburbs of Yenagoa – Agudama, Akenfa and Igbo-Gene- have one thing in common : darkness. For over a month, residents and workers in the area have been battling with protracted power outage.

Though the power situation in the state is generally epileptic, the condition of the three neighbourhoods is pathetic. Even when the Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) rations its meager megawatts, the suburbs are denied their share.

The predicament of residents in the area started about four weeks ago when a crane said to belong to Daewoo Construction Company (DCC) fell and destroyed an electricity pole.

Samson, a resident of Akenfa recalled what happened on that day. He said: “A crane carrying a caravan was trying to drop the caravan and then it got hooked to the electric wire and caused the collapse of a pole.

•The car damaged by the caravan

“Both the crane and the caravan fell. The caravan landed on a car that was parked by the roadside. Some people said the leg of the crane was not well positioned on the soil which was sandy.

“We’ve not had light for a month. This is unfair. When I’m home I can’t watch television again. I can’t watch news again and the heat these days is terrible. I don’t know why it’s taking them this long to rectify the issue.

“Even MTN’s generator and gate were affected. I think PHEDC said they must be paid before they repair anything and the company that owns the crane has not been here to say something.This incidence affects the Naval Headquarters and the Nigerian Law School in Agudama”.

In fact, the law school and the naval headquarters have been thrown into darkness. Everybody is appointing accusing fingers at Daewoo for its nonchalant attitude towards the problem.

The Spokesperson of the Central Naval Command, Lt. Com. Ahmed wondered why some people’s negligence would be allowed to fester and cause a monumental problems to thousands of residents.

“It is affecting us both psychologically and economically. The streetlights are no longer functioning and this has increased the level of theft in the evening. Bad boys snatch bags and phones from people.

“You need to see the number of people that troop to the filling station here every evening. It is very serious. It is even worse that Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company(PHEDC) isn’t doing anything about it”, he said.

Also James, an auto repairer in Agudama confirmed the circumstances that led to the falling of the crane and caravan on electric pole.

“A company came here with a crane and caravan to drop it at this very site. The crane man took the caravan up to lay it down on one side, the crane’s leg bent and the crane and caravan fell on top of the car. The car was damaged beyond repair”, he said.

Niger Delta Report (NDR) gathered that the damaged vehicle belongs to one Mr. Sunny Osamuje. When NDR located Osamuje, he was livid with anger. He demanded an immediate replacement to his car which he said was a source of livelihood to him and his family members.

He said: “I am into transport business and it is this my car that I use. I am also the security man in charge of this telecommunication mast.

“For now, there is no light and the company that damaged my car has not come to tell me whether they will buy me another car or not.

“The company was complaining when I went there that the bill PHEDC and MTN gave them is too much.

“My car has been lying there for one month and nobody has come to discuss anything with me. I am a family man who needs to feed his family.

“The driver of the crane was so careless that he wouldn’t listen when he was told to move the crane from the roadside. Luckily the crane crossed above my house but unfortunately came on my car before it was removed from my car.

“There was a day Daewood employees came to meet that the company wanted to buy me another car. We got to a car dealer’s shop here in Bayelsa state and the man said the car is about #500,000, but the company said the car is too expensive and that we should go to Port Harcourt.

“We got there but could not buy the car. I won’t allow them to move this crane until they resolve my problem”.

Indeed, the development has affected business owners within the area. They are complaining bitterly and pleading with all the parties involved in the problem to quickly resolve it.

For instance, Mrs. Isabella, a fashion designer, said she had spent a lot of money on fuel to run her generator since the incident occurred.

“This incident happened on 1st of April. Since then, there has not been electricity and I use N1,000 fuel to power my generator everyday.

“Nobody has even come to our rescue to look at what is happening. No information; no nothing. Just like that,we are in darkness.

“This has affected me badly in several ways. I cannot do what I’m supposed to do. Even in the night I cannot cut clothes. We close the shop by 7:00pm now because there is no light and all these bad boys are using that as an advantage to steal. We now sleep in fear”, she said.

Also, Chibuzor, a dealer on electrical appliances called for the intervention of the government.

“Honestly, this light issue has affected us so much. The company should do something about this. They don’t seem to care. The government should please come to our aid” he said.

To Mr. Ifeanyi, a refrigerator and air-conditioner dealer, Daewoo should not abandon the communities.

“Actually,for the kind of work I do,I need power regularly. The company that owns the crane has come several times to remove it to no avail because of how the crane fell.

“We are still looking up to the company to come and do something but they cannot do it alone. So, the government has to assist them.

“I don’t like being idle,I should be busy by now but the work is paralysed because there is no power.”

But many of the residents appealed to Daewoo to remove the cranes, compensate owners of damaged property and ensure restoration of electricity without further delay. They also demand unreserved apologies from the company for making them pass through nightmare.

May 1, 2015