The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Intrigues, drama as OPC gets Delta chapter

    Intrigues, drama as OPC gets Delta chapter

    It was meant to be the inauguration of another chapter of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), but the event in Warri, Delta State, was everything but ordinary. Apart from the tension of alleged planned attacks, there was also the fear that it was a precursor of an All Progressive Congress (APC) takeover of politics of the area. SHOLA O’NEIL reports on the drama, intrigues of the event.

    There was tension at the Esisi Road Warri venue of the inauguration on Tuesday. Gaily dressed Itsekiri youths, men and women were joined by their Yoruba counterparts from the West and other parts of the country.

    Seventy-eight members of the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) were in attendance; state executives from all its branches including the National Admin secretary, Financial Secretary, Ekiti State Coordinator National Assistant Gen Sec, along with hundreds of members decked in the group’s union were all in the Oil City.

    But, as they drifted into the Atuwatse II Model Primary School, rumour spread that some people were mobilising security men and thugs to attack them. The inauguration of the Delta State chapter Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) tagged the Itsekiri OPC in the state had generated interest and panic in certain quarters.

    It was also being tied to the ongoing face-off between the Thomas Ereyitomi and David Tonwe factions leadership tussle for the control of Ugborodo Community Trust. There were also politicians, particularly of the PDP stock, who feared that it was a political rally that must be stopped.

    Shortly before the commencement of the event, a Toyota Hilux van stormed the scene with about a dozen armed policemen. They joined men of the Army that are permanently there and sealed up the entrance. The security invasion coincided with an attack on guests by some youths. The suspected thugs also harassed artisans working at the expansive premises of Chief Eyewuoma, opposite the venue.

    It was gathered that there was fear in some quarters that the event was the precursor to the movement of the All Progressive Alliance (APC) takeover of Itsekiri land and parts of the state towards the 2015 general election.

    There were also rumours making the round that the Itsekiri were planning to attack their neighbours, much to the chagrin of the organisers, who wondered why OPC did not ‘invade’ when there was crisis but at a time when the Itsekiri and their Ijaw and Urhobo were closest in recent times.

    Meanwhile, the leadership of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, led by Hon David Tonwe, a former Chairman of Warri South West Local Government, were locked in discussions with Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator Worldwide of the OPC on the situation.

    Sources close to the organisers of the meeting told Niger Delta Report that a section of the visitors and Itsekiri youths were unhappy that they were being intimidated. This group wanted to show defiance by attending the event at the venue.

    However, the quick intervention of Tonwe and members of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, led by Pa JOS Ayomike and others who warned against giving opponents of the event the needed fuel to embark on wanton destruction and mayhem, ensure that law and order was maintained.

    Consequently, at about 12:15, the team moved to the house of Ayomike for a private meeting. In spite of the short notice, the expansive living room and courtyard of the octogenarian historian overflowed with guests.

    In his address, the host lamented the highhandedness of the state government, which he accused of tyranny and suppression of the freedom to free association. “There is provision for free association in the constitution but they (government) specialise in violating the constitution. In spite of their antics, this is a very great day of blessing. We have achieved the greatest by not succumbing to tyranny,” he added.

    A respected human rights activist, university don and former Chairman of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Dr Lucky Akaruese was particularly ferocious in lambasting the state government for the action.

    While lamenting the action, allegedly instigated by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Akaruese said, “This is another display of the arrogance of power that has become the hallmark of Governor Uduaghan.”

    He lamented that Governor Uduaghan, a purported beneficiary of the Itsekiri association with the OPC, would be a stumbling block to the meeting aimed at consolidating it. “He (Uduaghan is a beneficiary in 2007. Obasanjo (former President) assisted him because of this relationship. It is unfortunate and painful that this is happening.”

    Dr Akaruese accused the governor of mortgaging the interest of the Itsekiri people for his political ambition. “Uduaghan has his personal interest, but his interest is not the interest of the Itsekiri nation.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Prof Tony Afejuku cautioned against allowing a return to the dark days of intimidation. He insisted that the inauguration must hold, asserting that “We are holding the inauguration to tell whoever deployed those policemen that we will not succumb to tyranny.”

    Prof Afejuku later moved for the inauguration of the Comrade Hakeem Agboola-led OPC Delta State Chapter. He was supported by AS Mene and a thunderous applause from Itsekiri and Yoruba delegates at the meeting.

    Speaking on the event later, Tonwe, who spoke through INYC Public Relations Officer, Comrade Gbubemi Abigor, expressed surprise at the falsehoods conjured about the event. He said it was done to frustrate and thwart the union.

    He said the desire of the Itsekiri youth group to associate with their Yoruba counterparts was purely noble, adding, “Our idea is to have contact with our brothers from the west (OPC) and to ensure that we can relate socially, economically, politically etc.”

    He said the Itsekiri have so many things to benefit from OPC and the Yoruba nation in general. He said they could benefit through trade, social activities and economically, lamenting that “this very good and noble intention was marred by negative speculations.”

    Addressing Pa Ayomike and the ILOT members, including Chief FE Rewane, AS Mene and Mr Edward Ekpoko, both lawyers, and other members of the group, Otunba Adams recalled that the two ethnic groups have a long standing relationship.

    He particularly recalled the role played by the late Chief Alfred Rewane in the fight to actualise the June 12 struggle. He said as the major financial and organisational backbone of NADECO, the late Itsekiri leader was instrumental to the success of the group and fight to enthrone a lasting democracy in Nigeria.

    He told guest, which included a matriarch of the Rewane family, Chief FE Rewane, who is the Ejumotan of Warri Kingdom, that the assassination of the late Rewane scuttled the efforts of the pro-democracy group.

    He clarified that the Oodua Peoples’ Congress was not a fully militant group, but a social, cultural organisation, which aims to position the Yoruba in their pride of place among the comity of nations.

    Adams, who was dressed in full white Itsekiri traditional attire (flowing wrapper and shirt) and matching shoes, said the purpose of the visit to the ILOT was to clarify some of the wrong impression about him and the OPC and to see his Itsekiri brothers. He said through his visit, he had “opportunity to understand our people.

    “Yoruba constitute almost 2.3percent of the world’s population. We must be organised to coordinate our activities all over the world. Jews have done it before. We want to listen to our people and be useful to them in their time of needs.”

    He said the group has paid its dues, stressing that its activities were instrumental to the release of Obasanjo from prison in 1998 and his eventual election as President. He said its role is not different from those of other ethnic organisation fighting for a better deal for its people.

    “We have paid our dues to ensure that the Yoruba people are respected in the country. Before now we were called cowards but OPC has shown the world that we are not cowards. But we are not in Itsekiri land to cause trouble,” he stated.

    But his visit would have caused trouble, lots of it and Adams knew it: “Our members in this community are more than 2,000 if we (had) marched them to the field there would have been chaos. I have to thank the leadership and organisation skill of the Itsekiri for the level of understanding,” he added.

    Pa Ayomike later present copies of one of his books titled ‘Warri: A Focus on The Itsekiri’, to commemorate the historical visit.

    The team later left with the leadership of the INYC to the conference hall of the PK Guest House where the NCC meeting was held.

    Adams who addressed reporters during the open session, said it was important to show that the NCC of the OPC held in Warri in spite of the initial fiasco.

    The events were attended by members of the National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) and their graduate counterparts (NAIG), various other Itsekiri social and cultural organisations, including Prince Frederick Adolor, Akatakpo Omatseye, Lucky Pessu, Mr Wealth Erebo Lori, Isaac Dorse, David Iwere, Mike Odeli and Femi Uwawah.

    The OPC delegation included Alhaji Lateef Oladimeji, Oyinlolaawe, Mudashiru Aderibigbe Prince Adniyi Adedipe, Chief (Mrs) Yamanesa Esther, National Iron Lady of OPC; Lasun Ogunfowokan, Waidi Olaniyan and Waidi Olaniyan, among others.

     

  • Groups urge speedy resettlement of Bakassi returnees

    As a result of lack of seriousness on the part of the Federal Government over proper re-settlement of the displaced people of the ceded Bakassi Peninsula, several groups have appealed that something should be urgently done about the situation.

    Ani Esin, Eneyo Eyo, Maurice Ekong, Ekeng Effiom Ekeng and Emmanuel Edet who are leaders of Bakassi Union, Association of Dayspring Landlords, Save Bakassi Group, Bakassi Indigenous Contractors and Business Forum and the Niger Delta Youths Movement respectively said in a joint statement that they had to join forces following unresolved issues about the ceded peninsula.

    They also called for payment of compensation to the people of Ikang in Akpabuyo Local Government Area whose environment has become Bakassi Local Government Area.

    Other issues they raised included the unpublished report of the Cobham Committee on the resettlement, unresolved and complicated issues about the maritime boundaries and the citizenship of Bakassi indigenes abandoned in the Republic of Cameroon.

    They, however, praised President Goodluck Jonathan and the Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke for nominating their son, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    This, they said, had rekindled their faith and hope in the country and their situation.

     

  • Excitement, nostalgia as college’s alumni re-unite in Omoku

    Excitement, nostalgia as college’s alumni re-unite in Omoku

    It was fun, opportunity to re-unite with old friends and make new friend when Alumni of Federal College of Education Technical, Omoku, Rivers State hosted both new and old students at the special median congress and homage at their alma-mater.

    The three-day event took place at the college campus and activities include lecture, football match, community service and presentation of awards. The congress tagged “The Home Coming” was described by the school authority as the greatest gathering in the history of Omoku College Alumni and afforded old boys who graduated about 15 years ago avenue to re-unite.

    Welcoming the alumni, the Deputy Provost, Sir Bassey Ubong, said the management of the college was happy with the turnout, especially those who came from the northern and western parts of the country.

    He said, “Alumni are just trying to be like other great Alumni in various institutions. But they should know that abroad the college or university cannot do without them. If you go to campuses today even in Nigeria you will find wonderful projects executed by alumni. We pray that in future the alumni will make progress by making themselves available to the collage.”

    The Registrar of the college, Pastor Emmanuel Onyije, said the greatest thing about the gathering was that it will send a strong signal to both old and new students to understand the importance of alumni and make them work hard for the interests of the association and the growth of the college.

    “They are the children of this great college, as they are gathering here today I know some of them are very rich they should not forget this collage. There is infrastructural decay; the college is in need of Good projects, so it is necessary to look inward about the challenges facing the college.”

    In his lecture titled: “The Challenges of Alumni Association a Collective Responsibility” the Deputy National President of the Alumni, Sir. Emeka Nwokocha, said without the effort of some persons who realised the importance of alumni it could have been impossible to achieve any success.

    He said the association metamorphosed to a new level where it was given a pride of place among the units in the college. “Many thanks to the provost, Sir Dr. Silas Oguzor and the Deputy Provost Dr. Bassey Ubong for their understanding in placing the alumni association on the pinnacle where they stand today. It is often said that whom much is given much is expected. With the appointment of a desk officer, creation of Alumni unit and lately appointment of a Deputy Registrar for the unit much was now expected from the association. The Provost in one of the inaugurations of the association’s caretaker committee puts it succinctly. In his words “Alumni association are integral part of every tertiary institution and their role in the development of the college is of essence.”

    Sir Nwokocha, however, said the basic problem of the college is under-funding. He noted that negative influence of corruptive and valueless political system, planning and implementation problem has result in many issues such as weakening of tertiary institutions administration, poor teaching and learning.

    The college alumni during the congress meeting presented award to distinguished members of the association who have contributed to the growth of the Alumni.

    The Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Felix Obuah and the Provost of Federal College of Education Technical Omoku, Dr. Salas Oguzor bagged the college Alumni Special Grand Ambassador Awards. Other members of the Alumni who have contributed greatly to the association were also rewarded with outstanding and distinguished Ambassadors Awards.

    The National President of the Alumni, Mr. Brown Isobonye Ebenezer presented the Award to Obuah, who was represented by his wife.

    Mr. Isobonye said it has become necessary to come back to the college and look at the challenges facing the school and contribute their own quota by giving back little of what the college has given to them.

    “We have decided that we want to appreciate Felix Obuah who was the pioneer President of the Alumni. The planned secretariat building of the Alumni will be called Felix Obuah Alumni Secretariat.”

    Mrs. Charity Obuah, who received the Award on behalf of her husband, said he appreciated the Award and will do everything possible to continue to contribute his own quota to the progress of the association and development of the college.

    She said “My lovely husband is unavoidably absent, but I must tell you, he appreciates the Award here tonight. His dream has always been how to contribute to the development of the society. So, I am not surprised that this association recognised his efforts. Don’t forget I am also a member of this association because I graduated from this college and I will encourage anyone to do his or her best to ensure the progress of the association. “

    Mr. Lawrence Igenewari, the leader of 1991-1995 set of the college who also doubled as the Chairman of Networking and Membership committee said though there are lapses, he believed that in future the congress will get better if all hands are on desk.

    He said: “If you want me to describe the congress, I will tell you that we have tried but that is not enough. We witness areas that need to be adjusted, next time we are hosting another congress, like the area of publicity we are below the expectation. We need to publish some advert and host press conference a week before the congress.”

    The high points of the occasion included football match, unveiling of Alumni secretariat building, congress lecture, familiarisation tour of the collage and presentation of Awards to some members of the alumni.

     

  • ‘True freedom fighters do not seek personal riches’

    Niger Delta socio-political group, Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has criticised egocentric attitude of the ex-militant commanders in the region and urged them to emulate the generosity of the late Dr, Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

    The group was angry that the ex-creek warlords were indulging in profligacy, building mansions and frittering their amnesty largesse on expensive lifestyles.

    The group said the current attitude of the ex-militant commanders betrayed the reasons they gave to the world when they engaged in arms struggle against the country.

    The National President, IPDI, Mr. Austin Ozobo, who spoke on Wednesday in Yenagoa, said the ex-militant leaders had betrayed the true essence of freedom fighting.

    He said the “mind-blowing track records of late Dr. Nelson Mandela as a true freedom fighter could serve as flashpoint for the self-acclaimed N-delta freedom fighters who fought to make money for themselves and their immediate families”.

    Ozobo insisted that “no true freedom fighter would amass wealth for the detriment of the poor class he or she claimed to be fighting for”.

    He admonished notable ex-militant leaders such as Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, Ebikabowei Boloaf, Ateke Tom, Bibora Shoot-at-sight and others to prove themselves true freedom fighters by helping the poor with their wealth.

    He further lamented that no true freedom fighter would celebrate wealth while his people languished in starvation.

    “A true freedom fighter must be selfless and a person who does not seek personal riches. Looking at how the oil surveillance job was handled, it was the same ex-militants who are in the payroll of the federal government that were the same beneficiaries, the masses they claimed to be fighting for were not considered.

    ‘’In fact, if they are freedom fighters, what is the need for them to fight themselves over oil surveillance and NIMASA security contracts, which could be have been given to the poor masses to handle?

    ‘’The clamour for these contracts by the ex-militants is a betrayal and rebellion against the collective or common wishes of the common N-delta man. A master can not be fighting for himself when his followers are still in pains and agonies.

    “They always shut their doors against those they pretended to have fought for. If these were the attitude of Dr Nelson Madiba Mandela, the world wouldn’t have been celebrating him at death.”

    He faulted the Tompolo’s Foundation and said it only centred around the indigenes of his Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State.

    He said: ‘’Look at Tompolo Foundation, almost all the benefiting communities are from his Gbaramatu kingdom, he is highly discriminatory; he can only attend to you if you are from his kingdom. No equality, but claimed to have fought for equality he did not believe.

    ‘’Look at Asari, he went to establish university in Benin Republic, assuming it was established here it would have created more employment for the people of Nigeria, and could have helped to fight unemployment in the country’.

    ‘’The same discriminative attitude envelop Boyloaf, Ateke Tom and the rest of them.”

  • Surveillance contract: Ogoni landlords urge Shell to maintain status quo

    The Ogoni chapter of the Oilfield Landlords Association of Nigeria has threatened a showdown with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over the company’s facilities’ surveillance contract.

    It accused Shell of planning to give the contract to people unnown to the association.

    The landlords, after an emergency meeting in Bori , Rivers State, said Shell must abandon the plan.

    The chairman of the association, Chief James Bebe, accused Shell of holding meeting with a group of people with the view to change the original order of awarding surveillance contracts.

    He said the association was angry over the move by Shell to remove the original contractors who had in the past risked their lives to protect SPDC facilities.

    He said: “The association is by this meeting ordering Shell to stop any plan to remove our members. As Ogoni landlords, we do not want to be reminded of our dark days. We are not against SPDC to award contract to any other group but we are worried that their action may cause another crisis in Ogoni land.

    “We are not fools but respected landlords of Ogoni land who are ready to fight for their rights, we are yet to recover from the pains and agony that Shell caused Ogoni people. This step by Shell to think of abandoning the old agreement may be a plan to cause another disaster in Ogoni land.”

     

  • Oil theft our greatest problem, says Dickson

    Oil theft our greatest problem, says Dickson

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has described oil theft and pipeline vandalism as greatest evils bedeviling the Niger Delta region and the country in recent times.

    He spoke at the opening of the fourth Environment Outreach Public Lecture and Environment Awards Ceremony in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    The governor expressed concern over the rising incidents and the sophistication of illegal bunkering, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    Dickson, who described the problem as a threat to national security, called on all well meaning persons in the country and the region in particular to condemn these acts in the interest of the environment and economy in general.

    The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sylvanus Abila.

    The governor hailed the publisher of Environment Outreach magazine, Chief Noble Akenge, the organisers of the event, for sustaining for providing a platform through which environmental information can be shared.

    Chairman of the occasion, Prof Kimse Okoko, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Uyo, called on the Federal and States Governments to take the issue of pipeline vandalism and oil theft very seriously as the effects of these evil acts are already being felt in the nation’s economy.

    The Director-General of the National Oil Spills Response and Detection Agency (NOSDRA), Sir Peter Idabor, who was the guest lecturer, described the issue of oil pipeline vandalism and Oil theft as the greatest economic challenge of our country since independence.

    He urged the Federal Government through the security agencies to curb this menace as it was capable of shutting down the nation’s economy.

    Former Minister of EnvironmentJohn Odey condemned the acts of sabotage being staged by enemies of the nation against the nation’s economy and the environment through oil theft. He urged Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts at curbing the menace.

    Akenge expressed appreciation to all the participants for attending and supporting this year’s Public Lecture and Environmental Awards Ceremony. He stated that the Public Lecture series were institutionalised in the year 2010 to educate the public and share experiences with distinguished and experienced environmentalists and environmental Managers on issues degrading our collective environment with a view to finding lasting solutions to them.

    The occasion also featured the conferment of “2013 Environmental Stewardship Awards” to various deserving Nigerians and Institutions including former Head of Service of the Federation Prof. Dapo Afolabi, ; Professor Lawrence Ezemonye of the University of Benin; Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University Prof. Sunday Petters; Deacon Uche Agbanusi of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and Commissioner for Environment, Adamawa State Hon. Mrs. Arziki Angrawus Sawa.

     

  • To Sisi Mama’s daughter

    To Sisi Mama’s daughter

    DEaR ma,

    Of all the states in Nigeria, no one rivals Rivers, in recent times, in terms of drama and tragedy. In Port Harcourt, we have seen a routine wave of tragedy. The police, which ought to maintain order has obviously taken sides and yet we are told every day that the police have been doing nothing but playing the role expected of them.

    The source of the tragedy in Rivers reminds one of the Biblical hand of Jacob and voice of Esau; yet we are told the Presidency has nothing to do with the theatre of the absurd.

    The president, we are told, is too busy to have time for such local matter. He is a national and international figure rolled into one, with commitment to the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and the United Nations.

    Before I go further ma, let me offer an unreserved apology for twisting your mother’s nickname. We all know her nickname was Mama Sisi, but turning it around has a poetic ring to it that I just could not resist.

    I also need to ask for your forgiveness in advance for some of the points I am going to make in this letter or have already made in the prologue, which may not go down well with you as the Mother of the Nation. For me, I just believe I must point your attention to these issues, may be you can learn one or two things from them before it is too late.

    Port Harcourt, the capital city of your home state, faces a challenge of inadequate water supply. Your son and governor of the state, Rotimi as you call him, and his cabinet thought of a way out and a development bank loan was agreed on to tackle the challenge. But surprisingly, while the bank is ready to release the fund, people close to your husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, seem to be stalling the release of the fund. Some people have also mentioned you as a probably reason while Rivers’ loan for the water project is being withheld. I have no evidence to support this. What is clear to all is that the loan is being stalled. Your husband’s once-upon-a-time godfather, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the involvement of the presidency in the non-release of the loan as unpresidential. Even though I am not a fan of his, I have decided to separate the message from the messanger and I cannot but agree with him that whatever the animosity between the First Family and Amaechi, the interest of the people of Rivers, especially those who reside in Port Harcourt, must come first. Like he said, Amaechi will not be governor forever. By 2015, his era as governor must come to an end. There is no way he can get a third term.

    Madam, as a mother, it is time you used the fact that you have your husband’s ears to clear the logjam on the way of the release of this fund. If you fail to do this, not a few will believe this is just an extension of the perceived animosity between you and your son, Rotimi.

    Forget what Amaechi did to you when Sisi Mama (sorry Mama Sisi) died. We all know he only came to greet you in Port Harcourt and never came to Abuja like many of his colleagues did, a development you interpret to mean he never came to condole with you. Ma, this is also the time to forget other things he must have done to wrong your Majesty. Just see the whole situation as though he is being worried by ‘youthfulness’!

    Ma, I think I should educate you a bit on the water scarcity in Port Harcourt so that you will understand that this is no time to allow pecuniary interest stall efforts to bring succour to the people.

    The Rivers State government says the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water facilities in Port Harcourt city and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas will cost $900 million (about N5,732billion).

    Development partners, such as the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB), agree with this projection and thus offer their support for the project.

    The project, with a lifespan of 40 years, is to ensure sustainable water supply for residents of the state capital.

    A pilot scheme serving more than 3,000 households, I understand, has started at Elekahia, Presidential Housing Estate and Eagle Island.

    Ma, the project is not going to be handled by Amaechi. The development partners are handling it and this will ensure it is not abandoned after 2015. They will also handle the Port Harcourt Water Corporation. All these cannot be done without the Federal Government giving the development partners the go-ahead. This is where you come in. Even though you are married to a Bayelsa man, Rivers remains your home.

    For me, politics should have a limit. It should not be played at the expense of the people’s welfare. Your husband got the office by God’s grace. That fact, I believe, should always guide whatever action both of you take while occupying the office of President and First Lady. Being in power does not necessarily mean flexing muscle.

    Power is transient. Since 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, we have had many a leader. But, it was not until the time of the late Maryam Babangida that the wife of the Head of State became more than just another wife of the leader. After the late Mrs Babangida, we had another Mariam, who was the wife of the late Gen. Sani Abacha. The wife of Gen. AbdulSalami Abubakar, Fati, was too busy on the Bench to have time to play the First Lady. After her came the amazing Stella Obasanjo, whose presence was noticed by all and sundry. Death took her away in the most unfortunate manner and there was a vaccuum.When the late Umaru Yar’Adua, who was your husband’s boss, came in, the omnipresent Turai was the woman of the moment. Death took away Yar’Adua and you came in and you are ubiquitous.

    Like the rest ma, you too will go. The highest you can spend in that position is about ten years, that is assuming your husband gets a second term. He used about two years left by the late Yar’Adua. He is serving the third of his first four-year term and is entitled to another four years.

    I believe what should be paramount on your mind is leaving a legacy of service and where is the best place to start than Rivers, where your home town, Okrika, is an integral part of. I dare say I have not seen much of substance in your contributions to Rivers. I stand to be corrected. By age, you are not old enough to be Amaechi’s mother, but on account of your position as the Mother of the Nation, he is your son. No matter your misgivings about him, nothing should be above the interest of the people. Get your husband to okay the loan for the water project and other things that might have been stalled by the ill-feelings towards Amaechi, who will leave office in 2015. The water project will serve the people for a long time to come and they will always remember your husband.

    But, if the project dies, the people will also never forget that their daughter sits idle while the approval needed is not given. I doubt if they will forgive you. The time to act is now.

     

    Bye for now, ma.

  • Encomiums for Henshaw at foundation launch

    The late Dr James Ene Henshaw has been described as a genius and achiever who, despite being a practising medical doctor, managed to write reputable plays that have gained wide acclaim.

    Deputy Governor of Cross River, Mr Efiok Cobham, at the inauguration of the James Ene-Henshaw Foundation and the display of the late playwright’s selected works in Calabar, said that the late literary icon had brought fame and fortunes to Cross River.

    He said: “Through his works, Cross River has earned a place in the literary World. Through his works, most of us are better persons today. Through his works, he was looking at the society better than he met it.”

    The deputy governor described one of his works “This is our chance” as another opportunity to reflect on the state of affairs in the state and Nigeria.

    “Today, as we reflect on this man, this is another chance for us to rebuild our society. May be this is the turning point in the areas of tackling various challenges facing the nation.”

    He directed the state Ministry of Education to include James Ene-Henshaw’s works in the state’s secondary school curriculum beginning from next academic session.

    The reviewer of the book, “This is our chance” and other selected works of Ene-Henshaw, Prof Chris Nwamuo of Department of Media and Theatre Studies UNICAL, described him as a philosopher.

    Nwamuo said Henshaw sowed the seed of Nigeria’s modern drama, adding that his decision to take to the art of play-writing instead of practicing medicine distinguished him from others.

    He also said his different plays have helped in advancing the African literary circle.

    Various speakers at the occasion used the opportunity to extol the virtues of the late playwright.

    The founder of James Ene-Henshaw Foundation, Mr James Ewa, said the foundation was ready to partner with the state government by the works of his father to boost tourism in the state.

     

  • Delta groups urge Olejeme to run for governor in 2015

    Delta groups urge Olejeme to run for governor in 2015

    As political activities gather momentum towards 2015 governorship election in Delta State, two political pressure groups, Patriotic Movement for a United Nigeria and the Urhobo National Youth Movement, have urged a philanthropist, Mrs Ngozi Olejeme to run.

    The groups made the appeal when they visited the Director-General of Olejeme’s U&I Foundation, Mr Emma Uduaghan, in Asaba, to associate themselves with the aim and objective of the foundation which has help in the creation of human capital empowerment.

    Speaking on behalf of the PDP-PMUN, State Coordinator, Mr Tony Okonji said the group is a national body with a mandate to ensure the return of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 as well as support his affirmative action in producing a female governor in 2015.

    Okonji said the visit was to pressurise Olejeme to come out and declare her intention in 2015, adding that group’s coordinator from local government areas of the state had closely monitored her activities and decided that she was the best candidate to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

    He said her support base cuts across all political parties in the state, noting that “Dr. Olejeme is the first aspirant in the history of the state who was endorsed by association of register political and opposition parties even when she has declare her intentions. Mr Okonji outline several groups that would be disappointed if Dr Mrs Olejeme delay any further before declaring her vision for 2015 as this will help set the stage for the game proper in line with the 35% affirmative action.”

    PDPPMUN Secretary, Mr John Azike said was prepared to key into the affirmative action of President Jonathan of ensuring a female governor in 2015.

    In a related development, the UNYM led by Alex Edu said the group was in the U&I Foundation Office to associate themselves with the activities and programme of the foundation as a humanitarian organization that is concern about the welfare of the less privilege as well as youth capacity building in the state.

    Edu assured that Urhobo youths would give all the needed support to the NSITF chair.

    In his response, DG of U&I Foundation, Mr Uduaghan, described Mrs Olejeme as a mother to the motherless and a philanthropist committed to the warfare of not only the youth but the aged, widows as well as the vulnerable and disable in the society.

    Uduaghan, who was represented by the Director in charge of Contact and Mobilisation, Hon. Efemini, appeal to various group calling on the chairman of the foundation to seek elective position to be patient as the time was not yet ripe for her to tell Deltans whether she will re- run in the 2015.

    He reminded the pressure groups that electoral law has a time frame within which political parties and aspirant can declare and that time is not yet ripe. He assured them that Olejeme will not disappoint all those calling on her to seek an elective position as she will surely be part of the race when the stage is set for display.

  • Jonathan’s verdict on NDDC

    The verdict looks like the hard truth. It really is not far from it. From Akwa Ibom to Cross, Edo, Delta and Rivers, there are litany of projects, either uncompleted or abandoned. Roads have become impassable because earth work was done on them but tarring was delayed. Drainage systems were started but left midstream. Things are just not the way they are.

    So, when President Goodluck Jonathan said little progress has been made despite the billions expended on the Niger Delta through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he was not far from the truth. He said development in the region has not justified the quantum of funds allocated to the region, especially through the various intervention agencies over the years.

    What the president failed to say was that some people have helped themselves with the money that would have brought succour to the pauperised people of the Niger Delta. Jonathan, who spoke at the inauguration of the Board of the NDDC headed by Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw at the Council Chamber of Aso Rock presidential villa, added that most people in the Niger Delta felt that NDDC has not lived up to expectations over the years.

    He thus told the Board: “You have a lot of responsibility and for those of you from the Niger Delta who are even there, you know that the history of intervening agencies is legion. From three per cent to one intervention or the other, if you aggregate the total amount of money the Federal Government has spent on this agency is enormous and I don’t believe on ground that we have something to show very clearly.”

    The president urged the Board not to award any new contracts until all the ongoing projects are completed. The President noted that NDDC has too many ongoing projects.

    “A body like NDDC should not just go into a voyage of contracts procurement but ongoing projects must be completed for people to benefit before new ones are awarded.

    “There are just too many ongoing projects and we believe that you don’t even have enough manpower to manage the ongoing projects,” the president added.

    The President said the former Board was dissolved because instead of it to work with the management to make sure that people from the area benefit from the NDDC, they were busy quarrelling over money.

    He said: “The money does not belong to the board members nor the staff, the money belongs to the people yet they were quarrelling. If the money that belongs to the people is being spent the way it should, there will be no reason why people should quarrel.

    “There are guidelines in terms of procurement and managing of funds and if the MD or ED is doing things contrary to expectations, there are lines of reporting, there are lines of authority and I will expect you to follow.”

    The Board is unaware of the shortcomings and criticisms that have trailed the commission over the years.

    It is thus its choice to either make or mar history. It will be stupid of the Board to engage in rat race and mess the people up once again. This is the time to sit up and act.

    The people are obviously tired of the drama and tragedy that the NDDC has been. They no longer want to see the MD and Chairman of Board fighting. They no longer want to hear that the Board chair has spent millions on black magic. They no longer want to see abandoned projects everywhere. They no longer want to see interventions in wrong area. They no longer want to see the Procurement Act being considered inferior to the NDDC Manual. They no longer want Board members striving for contracts to be awarded to them or their cronies.

    What the people want to see are a set of management and Board working in unison; laws being obeyed; the people being taken first in all decisions and selfish interest being buried for general interest. After all, they are there to serve and not to eat! And to Jonathan, this should be the last time he would lament. If anyone breaks the rule, he should pay for it not just by being sacked but facing the law. The people’s money should not be stolen or mismanaged. Never again.