The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Humanitarian crisis worsens in Kokori

    Humanitarian crisis worsens in Kokori

    As troops of the Joint Task Force maintain the clamp down on Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State beleaguered residents of the troubled town have expressed concern over growing humanitarian crisis and alleged human rights violation perpetrated by the soldiers.

    Niger Delta Report gathered that schools in the area have remained closed while the students and pupils of both private and public schools in the town have been left out of the ongoing first term examination exercise in primary and secondary schools across the state.

    Similarly, health facilities, clinics and pharmaceutical shops, markets and other commercial activities have grounded to a halt since the latest onslaught. The situation has heightened concerns on possible humanitarian crisis in the area.

    Kokori has been a battleground since the arrest of Kelvin Iburvwe for alleged kidnap, armed robbery and other crimes on the 25th of September in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His supporters and members of the Liberation Movement of Urhobo People (LIMUP) have been engaged in several skirmishes with security operatives.

    Troops stormed the town again following another bloody clash with armed youths on Thursday, November 28. At least one person was killed and hundreds others displaced following the latest siege.

    Property worth millions of naira, including buildings, cars, motorcycles and household property were also destroyed in the latest face-off.

    Our investigations revealed that in spite of the Joint Task Force’s assurance that residents were free to go back to their homes, the community remains deserted. The Joint Task Force confirmed that very few residents – about 10 percent – remain in the town.

    Those who stayed back are facing hardship resulting from the collapse of social and economic activities in the town. Their plights are not being helped by the vice-like grip on the town by soldiers.

    It was gathered that all entry and exit points out of the community are manned by combat ready soldiers drawn from the 222 and 3 battalions of the Nigerian Army. Residents say movement is banned except through the Kokori-Isiokolo axis. They say cars are prevented from entering the town while walkers are subjected to harassment by troops.

    An aged resident who stayed back, Chief John Egbo, told our reporter that he walked a long distance to Isiokolo even to get basic necessities, adding that he relied on his wife who fled the town to get him food.

    “The only way to get into Kokori as at today (Wednesday) is through Isiokolo road and by keke (tricycles). They would drop you at the entrance to Kokori by the house of an SA to the governor. From there you trek into town through a bush path.

    “But today we are now hearing that even the kekes would not go again because some of them (operators) were beaten up by soldiers yesterday (Tuesday). So the hardship is getting worse for people inside the town. There is no food, we used to go to Isiokolo to get provision now we are running out of cash and we are not even allowed to go back in again,” the source told our reporter shortly after he left Kokori.

    Our source, who asked not to be named, said the ban of tricycles was another move to tighten the noose on residents, apparently to compel them to flee the town.

    “Even children are not allowed to play outside. As I was leaving this morning, two young children who were playing outside were chased back inside their homes by the soldiers. They say they don’t want to see anybody outside; movement is being restricted.”Another residents of the town expressed dissatisfaction over perceived nonchalant attitude of government and civil society groups in the face of abuses and untold hardship being suffered by residents.

    They accused troops of looting and wilful destruction of houses and property that were abandoned by fleeing inhabitants in the wake of the latest onslaught on the community.

    One of the residents, Mr Victor Etaghene, told our reporter that three of the four flats in his house were looted allegedly by the troops. He said other valuable items including water pumping machines were carted away.

    He said: “The four flats and a storey building were vandalised by the soldiers, but the borehole water pump was removed by the area boys. One of my tenants who were in when the soldiers came narrated how the soldiers vandalised the first flat before they (tenants) took to their heels. They now reside in Okpara Inland. The other tenant tenants (civil servants) relocated to Ughelli.”

    He appealed to the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Red Cross to come to the need of the suffering people of the town.

    The Commanding Officer, 3 Battalion, Lt. Colonel Otu, who took some journalist to the trouble town recently, debunked the allegation of looting and destruction, saying, “It is an attempt to rubbish the good work the troops are doing in Kokori aimed at restoring law and order in a community that hitherto drifted towards anarchy.”

    Otu said troops deployed to the town are closely monitored by five high ranking officers, stressing: “Discipline is maintained as one is not unaware of the possible fallout in an operation of this nature.”

     

     

     

  • 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, commended 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.

     

  • Jubilation as Delta community gets first monarch, 67 years after

    Jubilation as Delta community gets first monarch, 67 years after

    The people of Ellu Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State were ecstatic last the weekend, as they got a monarch for the first time 67, when Othuke Murphy Urugbeze was crowned Ogwara I, Ovie of Ellu Kingdom.

    The poignant ceremony held at the Ellu Primary School playground drew dignitaries from all walks of life, illustrious sons and daughters of land from within and outside the state. Some of the guests said the ceremony was particularly symbolic because of the controversy and delay in choosing a successor to the former occupant of the stool.

    Niger Delta Report learnt that the choice of a monarch dragged on for nearly seven decades because of squabbles and debates over patrilineal succession method in the kingdom. The face-offs resulted in litigations before peace finally returned recently.

    It was gathered that there are three ruling houses in the kingdom comprising Isi, Agwa and Uwabor and the non-hereditary stool is rotational among the trio. Ogwara I, a businessman and philanthropist, is from Agwa Ruling House.

    Leading prominent people of the community to the ceremony, the President General of Ellu Community, High Prince Johnson Eniforo Akpomalue, lamented the fate of the community in those years. He said in spite of its prominent position as a major oil producing community in the area Ellu lacked the basic necessities of life and remains relatively undeveloped over the years.

    He lamented that Ellu community has not benefited from the proceeds of the oil it produces and contribution to the commonwealth of the country. He said projects embarked upon by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had long been abandoned.

    Prince Akomalue appealed to the state government to come to their assistance by appointing their indigenes into boards of intervention agencies like Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and those of other states and Federal agencies.

    He particularly pleaded to the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to use his office to rehabilitate, redistribute and take over the management of the Ellu water project.

    “We are aggrieved that despite the fact that Ellu kingdom is one of the major Oil Producing Communities in Isoko land with a flow station jointly owned with Ozoro Kingdom, 11 oil wells, an appreciable distance of pipeline right of way and an access road, we have not commensurately benefited from the proceeds of the oil.”

    While he expressed gratitude to the state government for its infrastructural development, particularly in Emu-Eni Grammar School, he said more still needed to be done in the science laboratory and other structures undergoing renovation.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), who performed the staff of office presentation ceremony, appealed to the new monarch to carry out his duties in a transparent manner by being open-minded and just to all.

    He commended the process leading to the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the monarch and advised the monarch not to do anything that will make his subjects doubt his ability to uphold the sanctity of their tradition.

    He urged the people of Ellu kingdom, in particular, and Deltans in general, to take advantage of the state’s micro credit programme, stressing that taking advantage of such programme will help improve the domestic capacity of the people.

    “I urge you all to key into the policy of Delta Beyond Oil; which means we must key into agriculture, industries and other areas apart from oil. I want to use this opportunity to urge all sons and daughters of Ellu Kingdom to take advantage of the various programmes of government, particularly the Delta micro credit programme, to improve on your domestic capacity,” he said.

    “I have no doubt that the institution is very significant to the Ellu people and that is why they have all been working hard to make this day come to reality and it has indeed come to reality. Your Royal Majesty, I appeal to you to discharge all your responsibilities in transparent manner by being open-minded and just to all. You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all.”

    The Deputy Governor particularly congratulated the monarch for successfully ascending the throne and filling the 67-year-old vacuum, stressing that he must imbibe democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in dealing with his people.

    “This is a new beginning and it is particularly commendable that the process leading to the ceremony were carried out peacefully in spite of the long gap,” he said.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Transitional Committee Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Mr Samuel Idise, said his administration holds the traditional institution in high esteem because of the important role it places in the governance of the people at the grassroots. He appealed to traditional rulers to maintain their stabilising role through the promotion of peace and unity among their people and visitors.

    “As Royal Fathers of the people, I strongly advise you to steer clear of partisan politics in order to uphold the dignity of your high office in your respective domains. It is only by so doing that your fatherly role can best be appreciated and beneficial to all and sundry,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Okobaro of Ellu Kingdom, Chief Paul John Odhomor, who was one of the illustrious Ellu indigene conferred with chieftaincy title by Ogwara I has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for taking keen interest in the transformation of the state, saying that the current step being taken by his administration to diversify the state economy through the Delta Beyond Oil initiative remains a model for other states to emulate.

    Chief Odhomor made the observation at Ellu, after His Royal Majesty Murphy Othuke Urugbezi conferred on him a chieftaincy title as the Okobaro of Ellu Kingdom.

    The new Okobaro said, “The government under the leadership of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has done very well in the development of Delta State. He had done much better than previous governments. He has brought development to the whole of Delta state. There is no local government that has not felt the impact of his three point agenda; peace and security, human capital development and infrastructural development.” Chief Odhomor stated.

    He noted that with the new vision of Delta Beyond oil of the state, there was no community that has not felt the impact of his government. He called on Deltans to cooperate with the state government, emphasizing that it was the only way development could flourish in the state.

    “For you to bring government to your community, you must work and partner with government. You must not be seen criticising the government unjustifiably. You draw their attention to what you need in a very humble manner and you will be given what you want. This government is a very sensitive government and it listens to people,” he said.

    Chief Odhomor urged the people of Ellu kingdom to be peaceful and law abiding so as to attract more development to the community, saying “If you want development to come to your community, your community has to be peaceful. In an environment that is not peaceful, government cannot do anything there. So my appeal to the people is that they must see this community as the only community they have.”

     

     

  • A Foundation’s one year of touching lives

    A Foundation’s one year of touching lives

    My name is Chile Iheanacho. I am from Umuerim in Umuajuloke community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. I thank God Almighty for bringing O.B.Lulu-Briggs Foundation to Omuma. I have suffered from pains and torture as a result of hernia for nine years.

    “Out of fear, I continued to live with the discomforts until my father called to tell me about the free medical mission in my local government area.”

    Iheanacho’s was one of many testimonies and appreciations at the 21st edition of O.B.Lulu-Briggs Foundation free medical mission held at Obiohia community of Omuma Local Government Area between November 18 and 22, 2013.

    The foundation, which was set up by High Chief Lulu-Briggs 10 years ago with the aim of giving free medical treatment to the rural poor of the Niger Delta, has made a total of 21 outings across communities of Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.

    In 2013 alone, it made four outings in the average of one outreach in each quarter and treated a total of 21,932 people who were suffering from different kinds of disease.

    Surgeries were carried out in Opokuma in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Emeyal 11 in Ogbia Local Government Area both in Bayelsa State. About 9,063 patients; of whom children accounted for 1, 477 were treated. There with 66 surgical operations that day.

    The team also visited Enwang/Oron in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa/Ibom State where they treated 6,837 patients, 824 children and performed 56 surgeries.

    At the Omuma outreach recently, of 6,032 patients, 1,315 were children while 16 operations were performed.

    The President and Founder of the Foundation, High Chief Lulu-Briggs and his wife Mrs. Sienye who is also the Executive Director of the Foundation, were present at the flag-off/closing ceremony of the event on November 21.

    Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Lulu-Briggs explained why they decided to give free Medicare to communities:

    She said: “One major challenge facing the rural people is not just the issue of healthcare cost to economic hardship, but the fact that rural areas often have fewer general medical practitioners, ophthalmologists, dentists and certain relevant specialists may not be available. As a result, their health issues can become more serious by the time of diagnosis. Again, many of them would ultimately be referred to secondary or tertiary health facilities far away from their dwellings.

    “Also, rural communities have a large proportion of elderly people and children; with relatively few people of working age. This often results in higher dependency ratio. When compared to their urban counterparts, rural dwellers have poorer socio-economic conditions, less education and higher mortality rate.

    “It is in recognition of these stark realities that the foundation has given special attention to rural communities in the dispensation of free healthcare, in assisting the elderly, healing communities, improving lives and creating opportunities in these parts of the country.”

    Mrs. Lulu-Briggs advocated for the provision of quality, effective, accessible and sustainable healthcare to all by government, saying it would encourage sustainability of Nigeria’s already-large population.

    She said the choice of Omuma for the round-off of this year’s programme was divine, revealing that the local government area was not originally listed among local government areas and communities considered for the trip.

    She likened it to Paul the Apostle who, by divine relation, went to Macedonia despite negative prophecies against his safety in the area. She further said she clearly heard the voice of God calling them to Omuma and overlooked the resistance and objections which members of the team raised over the decision. The fears followed tales of killings and kidnappings in the area. She added that difficulties encountered at every stage of preparation for the trip rather confirmed and strengthened her faith that God actually spoke to her.

    Mrs. Lulu-Briggs said the number of children and the aged that came out to take advantage of the programme as noticed on the second day of the event further confirmed that the finger of God was in their coming to the local government area.

    At the Obohio Health Centre, thousands of patients, including old, young and children were noticed at different points struggling to get card/tally, prescriptions, or patiently seated under canopy shades to see the doctor, as the hospital’s general consultation hall, all balconies and passages were filled with patients.

    Twenty-two-year-old Miss Oluchi Nwuju, who lived with hernia for 20 years, also testified of how God used the foundation to give her another chance in life. She thanked the founder and financier of the foundation for giving her the chance to live normal life again.

    Earlier, the organisers of the outreach had paid a courtesy visit at the palace of Chairman Omuma Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe; the Omu 11 of Omuma.

    Spokesman of the visiting medical team, Chief Membrene told members of Omuma Council of Chiefs that they brought good news to members of the community and thought it necessary to visit and inform them.

    Chairman of the local government area, Mr. John Anucha, in his response, thanked the team for coming to help the people and consolidate on what the state government led by Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Omuma council had been doing in the area of healthcare delivery.

    The foundation’s Director of Programmes, Miebaka Nabiebo informed the chiefs that the community was not originally in the lists of communities for the outing but that Mrs. Lulu-Briggs suddenly came up with the name.

    In its good will message, the United Ladies of Omuma led by Lady Comfort, expressed women’s gratitude for the gesture of the foundation.

    “What you have been doing in the land of Omuma in the past days as you have done and yet to do in other communities and local government areas across the country is a thing worthy of emulation by all wealthy Nigerians.

    The Director of Health, Omuma Local Government Area appealed to the foundation to assist with keeping the Obiohia Health Centre functional.

    He said: “Because of security challenges in the area some years ago, the general hospital we had was shut down; leaving us with access to just primary healthcare treatment.

    “Unfortunately, among the 12 primary healthcare centres we currently have, it is just this that is functional; all others are like first-aid centres.

    “I therefore want to use the opportunity provided by this event to appeal to the foundation to, please assist us in any way to keep this remaining one on.”

    A young widow shared a testimony which added an element of humour to the programme as she testified how, in all that was said at the crusade, what she focused on was on the name O.B.Lulu, and she received a miracle which sort of lifted a heavy burden from her.

    In the same manner, another participant at the programme told the crowd of how, apart from receiving the miracle of salvation, her little daughter was healed at the crusade ground.

    In a short exaltation at the event by a Pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), noted that the reason for God creating man was for man to do exploit on earth, to the glory of God.

    He said the family of Lulu-Briggs is a shining example of that, saying that they are fulfilling the purpose for which they were created.

    the resistance and objections raised by members of the team over the decision. The fears followed tales of killings and kidnappings in the area. She added that difficulties encountered at every stage of preparation for the trip rather confirmed and strengthened her faith that God actually spoke to her.

    Mrs Lulu-Briggs said the number of children and the aged that came out to take advantage of the programme as noticed on the second day of the event further confirmed that the finger of God was in their coming to the LGA.

    At the Obohio Health Centre, thousands of patients, including old, young and children struggled to either get card/tally, prescriptions, or patiently seated under canopy shades to see the doctor, as the hospital general consultation hall, all balconies and passages were filled with patients.

    Twenty-two year-old Miss Oluchi Nwuju, who lived with hernia for 20 years, also testified of how God used the Foundation to give her another chance on life. She thanked the founder and financier for giving her the chance to live on.

    Earlier, the organizers of the outreach had paid a courtesy visit at the palace of Chairman Omuma Council of chiefs, HRH Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe, the Omu 11 of Omuma.

    Spokesman of the visiting medical team, Chief Membrene told the members of Omuma council of chiefs that they brought good news to members of the community and thought it necessary to visit and inform them.

    The local government council chair, John Anucha, in his responses thanked the team for coming to help the people and consolidate on what the state government led by Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Omuma council had been doing in the area of healthcare delivery.

    The Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Miebaka Nabiebo, confirmed to the chiefs that the community was not originally in the lists of communities for the outing but that Mrs Lulu-Briggs suddenly came up with the name.

    In its good will message, the United Ladies of Omuma led to the flag-off ceremony by Lady Comfort, expressed the gratitude of the women of the LGA for the bringing the good news to them.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “What you have been doing in the land of Omuma in the past days as you have done and yet to do in other communities and LGA’s across the country is a thing worthy of emulation by all wealthy Nigerians.

    The Director of Health, Omuma LGA appealed for the assistance of the Foundation to keep the Obiohia Health centre functional. He explained, “because of security challenges in the LGA some years ago, the general hospital we had was shut down, leaving us with access to just Primary Health care treatment. Unfortunately, among the 12 Primary Health care centres we presently have, it is just this that is functional; all others are like first Aid centres.

    “I therefore want to use the opportunity provided by this event to appeal to the Foundation to please assist us in any way to keep this remaining one on.”

    A young widowed mother in her testimony added humour to the programme as she testified how in all that was said in at the crusade, what she focused on was on the name O.B.Lulu, and she received a miracle of lifting of heaviness from her.

    While another told the crowd of how apart from receiving the miracle of salvation, her little daughter was healed at the crusade ground.

    In a short exaltation at the event by a Pastor from the Redeem Christian Church of God, noted that the reason for God creating man was for man to do exploit on earth, to the glory of God.

    He said the Lulu-Briggs is shining example of that, saying that they are fulfilling the purpose for which they were created.

     

     

     

  • Ibibioland’s honours’ night

    Ibibioland’s honours’ night

    Tt has always been the climax of the annual Sampson Udo Etuk Memorial Lecture of the apex socio-cultural group of young people in Ibibio land, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. But, this year’s gala and dinner was laced with a special induction of five ‘special’ members into its fold. The regulars–excellence award and presentation of scholarship –were also part of the night.

    Among those inducted were the House Leader and member representing Ibeno/Esit Eket in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Akparawa Okpolupm Etteh, his colleague from Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Apkarawa Nsikak Ekong, the wife of Mboho’s President, Mrs Ufok Nse Ubeh and the chairman of Conference of Alumni Association of Nigerian Universities, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho

    The President of Mboho, Akparawa Nse Ubeh said the organisation chose those to be inducted from a wide list of those considered, because of their love for the nation, contribution to its growth and display of individual characteristics that promote love, unity, oneness and togetherness.

    The Chairman of the occasion and the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Atuekong Don Etiebet said Mboho has lived up to the expectation of its forebears, the Ibibio Union, by continuing in the tradition of promoting unity and togetherness, even as he said its founders like Obong Sampson Udo Etuk, its first president, would be happy in their graves for the adherence to their ideals. He admonished Akwa Ibom people to continue to be their brothers’ keepers

    The induction proper provided a comic relief for the otherwise highly officious event; especially when the Deltan inductee had to be made to read his oath of induction in Ibibio language, a standard practice by Mboho. As he mumbled the words, it was laugther all through the gathering.

    Those inducted said they were happy for the honour done them. Akparawa Etteh said the honour will spur him to do more to achieve the complete unity and togetherness of the people of Akwa Ibom State. The chairman of Ikpoto Akwa Ibom, Nsima Uwak said Ettteh was the “quintessential all-round Akwa Ibom person with roots around the state. He is born to an Ibeno father, Ikono mother, Uyo grandmother and married to an Etim Ekpo woman. The honour, therefore, is for someone whose person is an embodiment of a united Akwa Ibom.” Hon Onofiok Luke said the honour for Etteh “underscores the level of acceptance he enjoys among men irrespective of tribes and tongues.” Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Henry Ekpe Nko said Etteh was a dependable, commited and patriotic Akwa Ibom son whose contributions to the unity of the state was deservedly noticed by Mboho.

    Excellence awards were given to Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker House of Representatives. Represented by Senator Ita Enang, Tambuwal lauded Mboho’s effort at celebrating excellence. Others were Sam Inyang and the wife of the Governor Godswill Akpabio, Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, who was given an award in philanthropy. Represented by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, Mrs. Akpabio said Mboho’s stand in recognizsing excellence and scholarship was worthy of praise.

    In attendance at the event were Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Sam Ikon; chairman, state PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo; Special Adviser to the governor on Technical Matters, Etido Inyang; former Rector Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Dr Sylvester Akpan, representatives of Ati Annang, Ikpoto Akwa Ibom, Asian Iban Akwa Ibom, The Youth Wagon, and other socio-cultural and socio-political groups in the state.

    The event is held annually in honour of Obong Sampson Udo Etuk, Ibibio Union’s first president in whose time the union sent its six “merchants of light” to study abroad in 1938 on scholarship. The six included Justice Udo Udoma who was Senator Udoma’s father; Dr Ibanga Udo Akpabio, Governor Akpabio’s uncle and Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah, ex-Governor Attah’s father. Obong Etuk, father of Ekong Etuk, Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in 1991, former President of the Apapa Club and the late Eno Irukwu, foremost broadcaster and former National Electoral Commissioner, declined the scholarship but rather sponsored himself to join the others.

     

  • Stakeholders welcome new licensing regulation 

    Stakeholders in the Cross River tourism sector have agreed to comply with the new regulation for licensing of operators of tourism facilities by Tourism Standards Authority (TOSA) under the auspices of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB).

    In a forum in Calabar, the stakeholders comprising hoteliers, tour operators, fast foods operators, quick service restaurants, travel agencies and night clubs, among others, agreed to adhere to the new licensing regulations which include certificate of incorporation from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), tax clearance certificates and certificate of hygiene/fire safety, among other requirements.

    Under the new regulations, TOSA under the auspices of CRSTB is saddled with the responsibility of regulating and licensing all operators of tourism facilities as well as give direction to their modus operandi in the industry.

    According to the regulation, upon declaration of the licensing day, no person or persons shall operate a tourism facility in Cross River State unless such facility has been inspected and licensed by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau.

    The Bureau shall grant a license for operating tourism facility or service to a person or persons not disqualified under these regulations or any enactment from holding a license as it deems fit and proper.

    Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Tourism Development, Mr. Wilfred Usani said the forum was convened to formally present to the stakeholders the “new regime” of license regulation.

    “What we do not want is an industry that is not regulated as it would only be detrimental to the growth and development of the economy.

    “Licensing is the bond of partnership between the government and private sector investors. This meeting is principally to disclose to them the format of how the partnership we started in June this year will work for the good of the sector,” Usani said.

    According to the Special Adviser, the forum is also to make sure that private sector investors are acquainted with the policy development directives of the state in which they have become leaders, fundamental key players in the development of tourism; and they must recognise themselves as pivotal partners in driving the industry.

    He said: “Our intention as government is to grow this sector and we cannot do it without the private sector investors who are the owners of the visible enterprise on ground,” he said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOPS), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, urged stakeholders to take the new regulations seriously .

    Also, the chairman of the Association of Fast Food and Confectioneries of Nigeria (AFCON) Cross River/Akwa Ibom chapter, Mr. Ernest Asuquo said: “We cannot do it on our own; neither can the governments do it alone. It has to be by way of partnership.”

     

     

  • Akwa Ibom communities seek lasting peace

    Akwa Ibom communities seek lasting peace

    The two communities of Uda and Effiat in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have sent Save Our Soul (SOS) message to Akwa Ibom State government following killings and wanton destruction of property in recent times, writes KAZEEM IBRAHYM

    The hall at Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State penultimate Wednesday was filled to capacity with elders, women, different youth groups and clan heads. The elders dressed in their traditional attires. They all assembled to chart the way forward following the prolonged crises that had engulfed two communities of Uda and Effiat.

    From their looks, it shows all was not well. One speaker spoke after the other. All they search for is how peace would return to Uda and Effiat communities that have been at war with one another for over a decade.

    There was a renewed tension between the two communities following the killing of a pregnant woman and a mother of two from Uda by Effiat communities last week; a situation that made the chairman of Mbo Local Government Area, Victor Antai to call a meeting of all the stakeholders to resolve the impasse.

    After the meeting, the elders, women and the youth all marched to the state headquarters of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the state police command in Uyo, the state capital, to protest the lackadaisical handling of the protracted crisis perpetrated by politicians in their area.

    According to them, the protest was meant for them to register their complaints through the heads of security formations in the state for onward delivery to Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    The group passed a vote of confidence on Chief Antai for the manner he has been managing the crisis in Effiat Clan which has claimed many lives in the past five years.

    They argued that but for the mature and dexterous manner that Antai has been dealing with all the parties in the crisis, it would have escalated to engulf the entire council area.

    While briefing the Director of Security, Akwa Ibom State, Thomas Minti who was represented by the Acting Director, Emmanuel Esumoni, the council chairman said the entire local government area decided to take their plight to the security formation so that they could impress it on the state government to wade into it and bring the suffering of the people to end.

    Antai said as chief security officer of the state, the killing of dozens of Mbo sons and daughters have overwhelmed him, adding that it is only the state and federal governments that could surmount the hostility in the area.

    His words: “Mbo crises have overwhelmed me. That is why I have brought these people here so that you can see the anger in them, talk to them, and see how we can meet with the state governor.

    “God gave the oil to Mbo to better the lives of the people; but what we are seeing is quite opposite as oil has brought us woes.”

    He explained that the crisis erupted more than 10 years ago because of the fraudulent attempt by a gubernatorial aspirant from the area who has been duping the people of their rightful entitlements from the oil companies operating in the area.

    “When it erupted more than 10 years ago, I wasn’t the council chairman then. So, it would be illogical to say that the local government authority is sponsoring the crisis which recently culminated in the burning down of houses and killing of a pregnant woman in Effiat Clan of the local government area.” Antai said.

    Responding on behalf of the state director of State Security, the Assistant State Director Mr Emmanuel Esumonu said the agency was aware of the crisis, even as he promised to table it before Governor Akpabio for quick resolution.

    Esumonu lamented that what normally causes crisis; especially in the Niger Delta region is the tendency of a few people to divert what should have been the common wealth of the entire people.

    Also speaking, the President of Essu Nlap Oro, Apostle Etim Ante, said it was unfortunate that since the crises started, the victims of oil revenue struggle are often innocent people who have nothing to do with oil politics.

    Ante called on the authorities to prosecute those behind the killing of Mbo sons and daughters.

  • Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom inaugurates Governing Council

    Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom inaugurates Governing Council

    The Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Traditional Council in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday inaugurated a new governing council to administer the affairs of the Kingdom for the next two years.

    The council, led by Lucky Oromoni, was sworn in by the Regent of Ogbe-Ijoh, Chief Samson Mamamu, at Ogbe-Ijoh, headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area.

    Chief Mamamu, in his address at the brief ceremony held at the town hall, noted that from time immemorial, the kingdom has had five arms of its traditional government comprising the Traditional Council, Governing Council, Elders Forum, Women and youth wings of the Kingdom.

    Noting that the ceremony came barely 18 months after the demise of the traditional ruler (Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Clan), he appealed to every member of the Kingdom to remain law abiding in the days ahead.

    He said: ‘The tenure of the last Governing Council expired since 23rd October, 2013, and by the special grace of God, we are to inaugurate the new council to take up the welfare of the Kingdom. We have sailed through a number of undemocratic anomalies. We resettled our minds and are able to marry them into peace. It is our appeal to the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom to love themselves, cooperate in pursuing their national needs towards bigger victory.”

    Mamamu warned that the commonwealth of the Kingdom must not be mismanaged or hijacked by few to create poverty for the larger society.

    “Mismanagement of victory is the beginning of poverth,” he stated, adding that those who are yet to achieve their aspirations into the council must be patient and join hands with those elected for the overall good and development of Ogbe-Ijoh.

    Among those inaugurated on Wednesday were Wurusibewei Diebo (Assistant Secretary), Ebibor Dio, Godwin Enighan, Isaiah Afodor, Stephen Anegba, Garenwei Eyoroagagha and Jeremiah Toweh Financial Secretary, and members respectively.

    The chairman of the electoral committee, A. O Kokori said the candidates for the position of Vice Chairman and PRO were disqualified while Secretary elect, Mr Simon T could not be cleared because of petition.

    Addressing the traditional council and other members of the Kingdom after thep inauguration, Hon Oromoni assured that his team would live above board and would consult the traditional council before major decisions would be taken.

    He promised to constitute a constitution review committee to review the 2003 Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom Constitution, adding, ‘We shall also as a matter of priority, key into the peace and security agenda of the state government and to ensure complete peace in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. We shall also ensure that all ongoing projects are completed and execute new projects within the period of our tenure in office.’

    The ceremony was attended by Chief Favour Izoukumor, Fiyewei of Ogbe-Ijoh, chiefs A D Oyibo, Samuel Ogbokeme, Friday Igbegbe, John Ajemitolo, Mrs Veronica Eselemon, Newton Aloku andi Broderick Donokoromo.

    Others are chiefs David Pere, Adviser of the council, Michael Azosibe, Richard Evene, Tony Tekedor and Harrison Gbenekama.

     

  • Rivers Varsity boosts research

    Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt has embarked on N10 billion Corporate Society Project (CSP) to boost research and development .

    The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Barinem Fakae who explained this also said that massive input of resources and finance for facility upgrade is needed from stakeholders to enable the university to realise this laudable project.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt during the formal launch of the 1st RSUST Corporate Society Day, Fakae in his paper entitled “The Journey so far and the Way Ahead,” painted a very sad picture of the situation of things in the premier state university before the State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi who is also the Visitor of the university sent him (Fakae) and his team on a rescue mission to the school in 2007.

    Six years down the line, the V-C stated that he and his team have delivered by ridding the school of all manner of corruption like admission racketeering, infrastructural and environmental decay, inaccurate records, incessant strikes, low information communication technology (ICT) and cultism that posed credibility challenges to the school.

    Having cleared the mess he inherited, the university has now turned to be a foremost e-varsity in the country with all its 39 programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC); thus making it to be voted the “Best Regional University” by the European Business Assembly, Oxford, United Kingdom.

    Fakae also said that out of 124 universities in the country, the RSUST is among the 27 considered qualified for visitation by the NUC for the purposes of institutional accreditation. “We are now institutionally accredited with an impressive score of 67.25 per cent and rated “A” in the second category to operate as a university for the next five years.”

    He also said that by the last quarter of 2012, the RSUST shot up from 76th position to the 19th position on the World Webometric Ranking Table of Nigerian universities.

    The V-C also disclosed that the university now pays the highest salaries in the university system in Nigeria with retirement ages of staff adjusted upwards in line with the demand in Nigerian university system; thus making the staff to resolve that strikes will not be an option again when demanding better conditions of service.

    Listing out the numerous corporate interventions which the university has started enjoying since it overcame its credibility challenges; he stated that the success of e-learning is dependent on a viable virtual learning environment which would, no doubt, draw on a lot of resources; “hence the need to engage the corporate society and well-meaning alumni.”

    Speaking at the occasion, Governor Amaechi, who noted that partnership is built on trust, also assured investors of adequate protection if they invest in the RSUST corporate investment project.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Chuma Chinye, also praised Fakae for not bowing to pressures to be mired in corruption, insisting on using the little he has received to achieve much.

    Amaechi, who likened the case of Fakae to the footballer Stephen Keshi who has now proved that Nigeria does not need a foreign coach, also urged the staff to realise that RSUST is an ivory tower and therefore, solution to problems should not be through strikes.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Godwin Tasie urged investors not to be afraid of investing in the university and assured them that with Fakae and his team, “your investment will be protected.”

    Tasie, who was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, 9th Governing Council of RSUST before Amaechi dissolved the council, said he was impressed that the university which used to be like a “bush” has now been turned into a cozy, serene learning environment.

    While urging politicians to eschew politics and ethnicity from education, he recalled that he was made a one-time V-C of University of Jos because ethnicity was not considered. He also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to hasten the completion of the “one hostel which it has been building in the university from one generation to another.”

    In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of RSUST, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte noted that the school is now living up to the dreams of its founding fathers by fast turning into a world-class citadel of learning.

    Delivering the lecture for the day titled “Corporate Partnerships in Developing Educational Curriculum and Research,” the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Emeka Unachukwu who called on investors to invest in the RSUST project also lamented that “no Nigerian university has made it to top 200 in the world.”

  • Deathtrap called Rumuolumeni -Iwofe Road

    Deathtrap called Rumuolumeni -Iwofe Road

    Piqued by the perceived insensitivity on the part of government over the plight of members of Rumuolumeni/Rumuepirikom/Iwofe communities as a result of the dilapidated state of the single-lane road, youths of the communities took to the street to protest government’s negligence. ROSEMARY NWISI reports.

    Youths of Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State recently blocked the ever-busy Rumuolumeni/Rumuepirikom/Iwofe Road from all forms of vehicular movement to protest the continuous deterioration of the road.

    The demonstration, which lasted for almost two weeks, was meant to attract governments’ attention to the very poor state of the road which they claimed have been neglected by the state government.

    The youth, numbering over 100, mounted blocks along the road on daily basis to ensure no vehicle goes in or out of the single-lane road to several petroleum tank farms, Eagle Cement factory, Nigerian Naval Base, and the Ignatius Ajuru, University of Education.

    They chanted different songs to express their disappointments at the government, the Monier Construction Company (MCC) which is the contractor purportedly handling the rehabilitation of the road.

    The youth accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of abandoning the community (Rumuolumeni) and those indigenous to it after they had overwhelmingly supported him during the 2011 general elections.

    They insisted on blocking the road to avoid vehicular movement until MCC returns to site.

    However, the state government, through the Commissioner for Works, Victor Giadom, intervened by appealing to the protesting youths to stop the protest and dismantle the road blocks as dialogue with government continues.

    Giadom reportedly promised immediate remedial works on the road; especially the most horrible spots to allow for easy movement pending when the issues delaying the main work would be addressed.

    The Commissioner for Works, however, gave approval to companies operating in the area to begin rehabilitation of internal roads in the community as requested by the youth to allow movement of their vehicles and men.

    Unfortunately, weeks after the promise, no rehabilitation work had begun on the road. Instead, the situation of the road is getting worse.

    Last week, a fuel-laden tanker from one of the tank farms at Rumuolumeni lost its control and fell at the Paragon Junction of the road. Its contents emptied on a street adjacent to it. One person lost his life while some others received various degrees of burning in the incident.

    No fewer than four vehicles were burnt. Several shops, houses and electric poles were also burnt.

    Eye witness said after the fuel-laden tanker fell; fuel spilled into the street. The product surged far and burst into flames on getting to where a woman was frying bean cake (akara).

    While the fire raged, a motorist suspected to be an engineer working for one of the companies at Iwofe was driving along the road when he noticed the fire. Suspecting danger, he jumped out of the car ran for safety.  He, however, rushed back to apparently save some official documents. In the process, he was burnt to death.

    According to our source, the explosion from his car affected a close by storey building and razed.

    Although there was no casualty, a maid who tried to escape from the burning house by jumping down from the balcony of one of the storey buildings in the premises out of fear was injured and hospitalised.

    Residents and road users blamed the poor state of the road for the incident, even as they appealed for assistance from state government.

    They also expressed displeasure on the failure of Governor Amaechi to visit the scene of the incident and families of the victims.

    In a chat with Niger Delta Report, a resident of one of the houses torched who simply identified himself as Wajino said: “I was inside the house. It was my boss who noticed the fire first because he was standing at the balcony of our apartment.

    “When he saw the fire coming, he ran into the house and asked us to carry the three children. Shortly after, we rushed out of the house. The car that was parked close to this compound immediately exploded and the fire went upwards onto the roof of one of the buildings in the compound. The entire compound was covered by thick smoke.

    “We later discovered that what we thought was water as it spilled the entire area was fuel, after all.”

    “People keep saying it was diesel. They were not there when the incident happened; but I saw it, perceived the odour and moreover, it is only fuel that can wreak the kind of havoc it did. If it was to be diesel, the fire would have been minimal.

    He, however, expressed gratitude to God for saving them from the incident, adding: “In all, we give God the glory because what happened could have been worse. This happened between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. when most people were still awake. Assuming it happened when we had slept, waking up and trying to escape with sleepy eyes trying to wade through the thick smoke and raging fire, it would have been more tragic.

    “The government should understand that what the poor need are basic infrastructure like light, water and good access roads, among others. As you can see, the fuel-laden tanker fell because the road is in a terrible shape.

    “Heavy duty vehicles ply this road from morning to morning. The government should come to our aid by rehabilitating this road so that these avoidable accidents could be prevented. This would also save the people from unnecessary deaths.

    “I am not also happy that since after the incident, Governor Amaechi has not considered it worthwhile to visit the scene or extend his condolences to the community and the bereaved families.

    “Human beings like him died in those incidents; innocent and law-abiding citizens that were returning from work. If government is alive to its responsibilities and had fixed the road before it deteriorates to this extent, the tanker would not have fallen and the men would not have died,” he said.

    Reacting, the spokesman of the youth of the community, Felix Chinda said: “I and other youths were at the Saint John area of the community when we heard about the fallen tanker with petroleum products. Before we got to the Paragon Junction; the scene of accident, the tanker was already on fire.

    Before this time, we have been talking and appealing to government on the need to make this road motorable and passable.

    “This road is so bad that even pedestrians find it difficult to pass through it. Every day, we witness several accidents involving tankers on this road.

    “It is unfortunate that the government is not concerned about the plight of the people. We are tax-paying citizens. We are pained that we are left alone to our fate. What you have seen here is a child’s play. When you get to Big Tree area where the community has its market, you will see a worse situation.

    Four vehicles were burnt. Shops and people’s other means of livelihood were burnt. At this time of the year, a 33-transmission line was caught off from the electric poles while no fewer than 10 poles were damaged by the fire. Two different storey buildings and a bungalow were torched and several fences were damaged, among others.

    “We are still appealing to the state government to come to our help. After the youth of the area blocked the roads preventing any form of vehicular movements, the Ministry of Works met with companies in the area. Government promised to direct the MCC, the contractor handling the project to come up with a palliative measure pending when serious construction work will be carried out on the road. Unfortunately, three weeks after the protest, neither the government nor MCC has shown any sign of seriousness to commence work on the road.

    “Governments are getting a lot of revenues from companies operating here every month, yet the companies have no access to their businesses as a result of the state of the roads. They companies are crying, residents are lamenting, farmers are worst hit as their farm products cannot be conveyed to the places they are needed.

    Also commenting, the chairman of the youth organisation, Noble Nnamdi Oluegele appealed to government to look into the people’s plight.

    “Both the federal and state governments have investment in Rumuolumeni. The community also hosts the Nigeria Naval Base; the University of Education and the renowned Eagle Cement factory, among others.”

    Mike Okonkwo, a road user whose vehicle sunk at the bad spot at Big Tree expressed sadness on the state of the road and called on the government to fix the road.

    “We are not happy over the dilapidated state of this road. I have been here since two days; there is no road to pass through. Yet, we are conveying products as dangerous as PMS (fuel), on a road like this.

    “We are appealing to government to fix the road to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property,” he said.

    Members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the state government are trading blames on what cause the unfortunate incident. While NUPENG blamed the poor state of the road for the incident, the government said it was caused by tankers that are not road worthy that were used to convey petroleum products.

    Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Works and the officials of the MCC for comments failed.  Their telephone contacts were not available as at press time.