The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Our four long days in kidnappers’ den

    Captain Elmundo Villacorte and eight other crew members were aboard a maritime tanker vessel, MT Norte on August 13 when their nightmare began. Sixteen heavily- armed men stormed the vessel and seized control. The hijack occurred off the coast of Forcados in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

    That invasion began a four-day ordeal that culminated in a fierce shootout between security operatives and the suspected pirates, which lost 12 of its members on August 17.

    Speaking with our reporter after the bloody rescue operation by the Navy, Villacorte said: “They (pirates) came in the middle of the night and we were unprepared. It was a horrifying experience; we did not expect and everybody was scared.”

    The vessel, owned by Orion Marine, a company based in Apapa, Lagos, was conveying 17,000 metric tonnes of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) popularly called petrol, when the gun struck that night. The value of the product was put at over N2 billion.

    Giving details of the operation that led to the rescue, Commanding Officer, NNS Delta, Commodore MS Garba, said when the Navy got information of the attack, it deployed five naval gunboats, NNS Obula from the Central and Western Naval Commands.

    He said: “The combined effort of five naval gunboats and NNS Obula from Central and Western Naval Command intercepted and rescue the vessel and crew.”

    Our independent investigation revealed that operation to rescue the kidnap sailors began with negotiation with the criminals, who gave conditions to release the vessel and free their hostage.

    A top naval source said security operatives entered the negotiation to buy time and get the necessary machinery in place for the operation.

    “During the discussions, they did not know that we had aircraft overflying the area and getting the necessary details and information about their location, position of their men and the kind of weapons they have.

    “The operation was not as easy as it looked because first, the criminals gave us condition that only one naval vessel must be left in the vicinity while they were making their getaway in speedboats,”a source said.

    However, unknown to the pirates, the Navy had a suffocating presence of gunboats waiting for them in the creeks. When they ran into the ambush, they tried to shoot their way out trouble, leading to a gunfight that lasted nearly one hour.

    In spite of its firepower superiority, the navy suffered damage to one of its gunboats.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear-Admiral Sid-Ali Hassan Usman, who paraded four suspects, acknowledged that one of the naval boats was affected during the operation. He said although the ship was riddled with bullet holes, the damage was minimal and did not affect it much.

    Twelve suspects, including leader of the gang, simply identified as Ben, were killed. Three lucky ones were arrested while a fourth jumped into the river and swam to safety. But his freedom didn’t last for too long as he was picked up by a fishing trawler, which immediately handed him over to the Navy.

    On Wednesday, Commodore Garba released the rescued crew members to the agents of Orion Maritime at the Warri Naval Base.

    Speaking with reporters after the handing over ceremony, which included signing of release documents, he said: “It is pertinent to state that all investigations relating to the hijack has been concluded by the NNS Delta. Therefore, in this regard, the Chief of Naval Staff has directed the release of the vessel to the owners with immediate effect.”

    Captain Villacorte, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said: “We are happy that this ordeal is finally over. I must thank the naval officers who helped in our rescue.”

    When asked about his future plans, the relieved Filipino smiled and said: “I do not think I will like to go back for now. I will think about it.”

    Eze Chukwudi, Head, Operations of Dado Maritime, the agent to the Orion, praised the professionalism displayed by the navy in carrying out the rescue operation, without any death or injury to the sailors.

  • Anger, tears as Cross River town counts losses of military invasion

    Anger, tears as Cross River town counts losses of military invasion

    Please go away with your journalism. What can you do? They have destroyed my things; you have seen it with your own eyes. Please go away and leave us alone,” she said angrily and chased this reporter away from her compound.

    She barred everyone in her compound from uttering a word to the reporter or face consequences.

    A look at the angry woman’s house revealed smashed windows and other sundry evidence of violence and havoc wreaked allegedly by security agents. It was also learnt her wares were destroyed.

    Many other members of the Esuk Utan community in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, share in the woman’s anger but not in her aggression.

    Patience, a young woman who owns a women’s salon in the area, narrated her ordeal: “They spoilt my dryer, my washer, my mirrors, my relaxer, shampoo. They scattered everything. And I did not even do anything to them. I did not even know what was happening. I even locked myself inside my shop and they broke it down and came in and destroyed my things. They should come and fix what they spoilt o. This is what I used to sustain myself; now see what they have done?”

    Trouble started Tuesday last week when members of the Quick Intervention Squad (QIS) accosted a man on a motorcycle in the area and wanted to collect his machine since it has been banned by the government. The man resisted and members of the squad descended on him. The squad is made up of policemen and soldiers.

    An unidentified lady, it was learnt, tried to intercede but she was visited with the same treatment. Youths in the area angrily intervened and a security agent was injured. The security men then called for reinforcement and several truckloads of armed security agents landed in the area shooting sporadically, beating up everyone in sight and destroying shops. After they had terrorised the area, they left behind a scene littered with broken bones, broken heart and shattered wares, doors and windows.

    After that, for the next couple of days, the residents of the community had security agents as their regular visitors as they always came around allegedly beating up youths and destroying anything in their way.

    It was gathered that an unidentified security van with agents wielding machetes and guns had again stormed the area two days after and rounded up two youths. One of those arrested was the owner of a barber shop that was destroyed.

    At the moment vandalised building, shops and other items are what residents of the area have to serve as a reminder of the incident.

    When Niger Delta Report visited the community, shops and doors were closed and most residents hid behind the closed doors. A few who ventured outside hung around companies of twos and threes; they talked in hushed tones, poised to scamper to safety in case the security men returned.

    There was anger in the air because most residents of the community have had their businesses, houses and belongings destroyed for no just reason.

    A resident of the area, who identified himself simply as Ubong, said: “It was bike they wanted to carry. Now they have been coming here every day to intimidate us and beat us. I don’t know if it is the revenge they want.

    “When they came the other day, they were dressed in army uniform and some police uniform. They were carrying guns, even machetes. When they come back now, people would start running. The person that caused all these problems does not even live in this area.”

    But the pains left behind are visible.

     

  • Sorrow, tears and agony left behind by men who killed Soboma George

    Sorrow, tears and agony left behind by men who killed Soboma George

    In the evening of August 24, 2010, a prominent former Niger Delta warlord and factional leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Soboma George, was killed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The incident occurred on Nembe Street, Borokiri area of the Garden City. Security agencies blamed it on cult-related violence. It led to the shooting and death of unspecified number of persons.

    None of the victims suffered as much as Princess John Ejims, who is battling gunshot wounds she sustained from the incident.

    Miss Ejims was with her sister when gunshot rent the air. Her immediate younger sister, Joy , was also shot and died at the spot.

    She still has pellets of bullets lodged in her body. Her father, she said, died from heartbreak weeks after the loss of his daughter.

    Doctors believe she may become paralysed if the pellets are not removed from her body.

    Miss Ejims said: “It was on August 24, 2010, at Approved Field, Nembe Street, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. On that day, Soboma George and some of his men were playing football at that field, and other people were also watching the game as usual.

    “My late sister and I were selling boiled groundnut. The crowd at the field watching the game for us made a good site for sales.

    “While I was arguing with a young man who tasted my groundnut before buying, I just saw a vehicle on speed and the next thing I heard was a war-like sound of gun. That was all I could remember; when I regained consciousness, I was in the hospital.”

    She was rushed to the Teme Hospital, then operated by the Doctors Without Borders. After several hours of medical battle, the doctors were able to save her life.

    She said although the doctors removed several bullets and pellets from her body, there were some that could not be dislodged because they were embedded close to her spinal cord.

    Two years after, she is yet to regain her full health.

    She is constantly weak and cannot participate in the activities she used to do.

    “Despite my condition today, I give God the glory because my spirit left my body at the hospital and I was watching the doctors battling to save my life. So, how I got back to life is something that only God knows,” she said.

    Doctors, she said, told her she needed a delicate surgery, which could only be done abroad to remove the remaining bullet in her waist.

    She said she has been living “half life” made even more difficult by her precarious situation and inability to return to her trade.

    “My father died a heartbroken man because he saw my sister’s death and then couldn’t bear to see me continue in this bad condition.”

    After losing a daughter and her husband, Mrs Ejims, relocated from Port Harcourt to Elele because she could not pay rent.

    Miss Ejims pleaded with the government, public-spirited individuals and organisations to assist her.

    She said: “The ex-militants, who killed my sister, shot and put me and my family in this condition, are today enjoying amnesty. I want to appeal to the government and the Amnesty Office to come to my aid and help me become a human being again.

    “Some of them (ex-militants) have received different trainings abroad but nobody wants to talk about those who were wounded or killed by the weapons of the militants. I want the Federal Government to assist me out of pity by offering to end this severe pain as part of the amnesty programme.”

    Mr. Higher King, a human rights activist, said Miss Ejims was threatened by some persons who wanted her to give evidence in the trial of George’s suspected killers.

    King said they should first think of her interest and well- being.

    He said he had written to President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Magnus Abe and the House of Assembly and the member representing her constituency but all efforts have proved abortive.

    “One thing is certain; she is seriously in pain and anyone, who needs her attention, should assist to save her life. The doctors said she may be paralysed as long as she lives with the bullets. So, I am begging the governors, National Assembly and the President to come to her aid.”

    He appealed to Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Rochas Okorocha (the governor of her home state, Imo) to have pity on the young lady.

     

  • My wife’s death forced me back into music, says C strokes

    My wife’s death forced me back into music, says C strokes

    What was your motivation to go into music?

    Music is an inborn thing for me. It started when I was young. In those days, if you dare tell your parents that you want to go into music, you should be ready for strokes of the cane. It is the same thing with football; if they see you playing football, you are in trouble. But now, parents encourage their children, they even buy seven balls for them – one for each day so that they want them to be the Kanu Nwankwos of tomorrow.

    Music is a talent in me and I think I still have something to offer to the Nigerian music industry. That is why I am into music. I started playing the keyboard at the age of eight and nobody taught me. My father came back from one of these Asian countries in the 70s with a keyboard. When I saw it, I sat on it and started playing. People don’t believe in reincarnation but I think that was something from my past life. I hadn’t seen a keyboard before but I played it. When my father came in he was surprised. As soon as I saw him I was afraid and I stopped playing. And he said, ‘you were playing a song, go ahead’. I didn’t know I was even playing.

    That was how it started. I played in churches; I got to assistant choirmaster. I played in the secondary school, I was chapel prefect. I played in some bands with the producers of those days. As a student in the University of Calabar, I was also performing. I got income from it back then and it helped. I played in shows and was able to cater for some needs. I could live like a big boy and went as far as to Awka to play for Rogers All Stars studios. I even played a show in Iganmu (National Arts Theatre).

    But after I graduated it all ceased because I knew I had to get food on the table and in Nigeria you must work hard.

    Tell us about your stage name C strokes, why is it so unique?

    The C is for my initial, my name (Chimbiko); the strokes, it is actually reggae, but we are coming from way back and putting what reggae is in the present and it is a stroke different from whatever kind of stroke you ever had. It is with a touch of class, it is classical. You have the R n B, Lovers Rock, conscious part of it. The C strokes you in all these ramifications.

    Why did you wait this long to take this path?

    I lost my wife two years ago (2011) and her death devastated me so much. Music, being my second love, provided an escape from the pains I feel. I had to fall back to what I loved most. My wife was a very important part of me and when she left I had to fill that void. Music became the filler.

    I missed my wife so much. I wrote a song about her, my heartache and feeling. I went back to a man I had know over the years (producers, Sinclari (Seenclear) Konboye), who knows that I had the talent. He had always insisted that I had the talent and I should contribute. I was so busy. But trying to fill that void, the only way I could express myself was to go back into music and it is my love now.

    I released my first single in August 2012. It was produced by Sinclair, a fantastic producer and a friend of many years. After that single dedicated to my wife, he said, ‘men I don’t want you to stop here; if nothing more, sing for your children, tell them you have the talent and show them what you have.’ That is why I am in today. For my first single, the reception was wonderful in Port Harcourt. People like it and enjoyed it. It was dedicated to my late wife and it made people realise that I could sing.

    You played a couple of your songs now, and I realise that they are purely reggae…

    Reggae is the only brand of music that gives you the message. All the departments of reggae afford you the opportunity to express yourself – if it is lovers rock, you are talking about love. If you don’t have the depth in lyrics, you are not grounded, you cannot write reggae lyrics. And it is a conscious music and not just for those who want to play with rhythm or drums and all that. You must be rooted and I think reggae gives me the platform to express my inner arts.

    Yes. But beyond expressing ‘inner art’ your songs also sound political, talking about the oppressor…?

    I grew up in a middleclass family. In those days, it was easy because Nigeria had the rich, the middle class and the poor and everything transcended like that; so, nobody felt the gap. The poor were even comfortable because if they cannot reach the rich, the middleclass was there to assist them. But, today that difference is there and everybody can see it. We have eliminated the middleclass.

    As a young boy, my parents were civil servants and I could reach out to any of the classes. I could walk up with the rich and I could spend time with the poor. With the elimination of the middleclass today, there is no hope for the poor. The middleclass was the bridge in those days. I think the rich are getting too rich now to remember the poor and we must bridge the gap. The society is not fair to the poor and we don’t listen to their cries.

    I have a song called ‘Hungry Faces’. I feel for the poor because I have been around them. I am a pure Port Harcourt boy – I won’t say I have felt poverty, but I have seen it and I know how the poor feel. I feel bad and I feel threatened that one day while sleeping, something could happen to me. I feel we should still reach out and tell the rich ‘stop getting too rich without considering these people’. That is why I say ‘leaders of the world, please we have to get it right’.

    I learnt you have a foundation, what does it do? How does it relate to your music and message?

    The foundation also came up because of my wife’s death. I realised that there are lots of people like me out there who go through pain. If you are poor and lose your loved ones or wife through childbirth, I know what it feels like. With my solid foundation, I was able to cater for some needs and those of my children. What about those who are not so fortunate and are not working? I saw one report in The Nation of a young man asking for help to cater for his triplet after the death of his wife. The foundation was created to help mother and child care. Last year (after my first album), we donated. This new album, will be launched tomorrow, is dedicated to similar cause. A large portion of whatever is generated from the sale of the album is donated to motherless babies home.

    We want to buy an ambulance to help save lives. It is not just about the ambulance, not just for emergencies but to help convey patients from private clinics to specialist hospitals. Most times, we lose lives because of simple avoidable causes. The pain I went through after my wife’s death has taught me a lot. So, my friends and I decided that we should have a foundation. So, whatever I get from these songs goes into the foundation to assist the less privilege.

    What is the influence of your late wife on you and your music?

    She had enormous influence on me and my music. Before she died, one day she came to me and said ‘you stopped playing the keyboard. When I met you, you were marvellous on the keyboard and you used to sing for me. The children don’t even know you play music. Why don’t you get a keyboard and teach them?’

    After that, I met my producer who also told me people don’t know my talent because I just kept it to yourself. I said I was too busy. But as soon as she transited, I got the message and when my producer came in, it was like my wife was talking through my producer. So, I decided to use my music for charity.

    What is your assessment of the Nigerian music industry?

    I am not happy because people don’t play instruments any more. The computer age is affecting instrumentalists and it is not good for our music. Those who play the instruments arrange music better than those who don’t. Nigeria is carving a niche for itself in the industry and it is helping a lot of people who have no job. What we have in the music industry today are entertainers. The musicians are Fela, Lagbaja etc. These other ones are entertainers because the men who bring the money (executive producers) tell you what they want you to do. They are the ones killing the industry; they kill creativity because they are only interested in the trash that will sell. To a large extent, the kind of music we hear today is a reflection of the larger society.

    But as a musician, you keep going whether the money is there or not; if the album flops or not, you keep doing what you want to do because there is a small crowd that likes you music and that gives you satisfaction.

    Today, highlife is going, nobody sings highlife again; yet, it is something that was associated with Nigeria. When you listen to artistes like Flavour, you hear something of it but the typical aspect is not there and we should ensure we retain our rhythm. If I play highlife, it will be pure highlife. I don’t play to please the marketers. I went back to reggae to play it as it should be because if you go back to the 90s, those who made Nigeria proud were reggae musicians – Majek, Kimono, Blackie, Oritz Wilikie, Alex Zito and Evi Edna Ogholi. Those were reggae musicians and they stood there. Reggae is for those who like to contemplate and meditate.

    Today people sing about sex, Hennessey and all that. We have good young musicians out there, but if you check those who write that kind of songs, whether in mid-tempo, people don’t appreciate them because we don’t listen (to lyrics). People are so fast; so the rhythms are fast like ‘oya make we go Limpopo’ – to do what? But the rhythm is wonderful; as soon as it starts, you want to dance. But what message does it have? None. So, if you want to dance, play Nigerian music but if you want to listen, play reggae.

    What is the message in your latest work?

    The album title is ‘Reality’ and it has conscious music, lovers’ rock. Reggae is a wonderful channel to reach people, express yourself as an artiste and let people know that there are good reggae artistes out there willing to contribute to the industry. If you listen to my songs, you will hear clearly; I wasn’t aided by the system. My music is evergreen and it is going to last. If a song has message, you can play it over and over again. I am not thinking about immediate reward for my music.

    Do you see any of your children following in your footstep?

    My third son sings all my songs. He sits on the piano vamping. I know that one will come. I am going to guide him so he doesn’t end up singing the kinds of songs we hear today. But because my children listen to my music, I think it will have a great influence on them.

    Who is your role model?

    I have listened to reggae musicians over time and one man whose lyrics have a great impact on me is Bob Marley. His lyrics haunt me. But there are others like Dennis Brown, John Holt, Freddie Mcgregor and much recently, the Morgan Heritage Family. They have added value to music. They have messages in all their songs. They talk about the society, homes, love etc.

     

  • Rivers flood victims await presidential touch

    Rivers flood victims await presidential touch

    It badly ravaged the four local government areas of Rivers State. To the thousands of families and individuals displaced by last year’s floods in Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Abua/Odual local government areas, they are eagerly awaiting presidential touch.

    They said they have not felt the touch of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) headed by the business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba, which at a dinner organised to raise funds for those displaced by the last year’s flood across the country got pledges of N11.35 billion.

    Some of the victims, who were camped in various locations by the state government during the disaster have since December returned to what is left of their homes; others are now squatters with relatives following the winding up of the camps.

    From the accounts of some of the victims who spoke with Niger Delta Report at the various communities, it has been pain and sorrow.

    Kingsley Clifford Eleyan, who was camped at Erema Model Primary School in ONELGA with his family after his house in Ogbogu was completely destroyed by the flood, said: “So far we have not been paid anything. If they give us anything, we would have told you.”

    Eleyan, a scaffolder, now takes refuge in a relative’s home because he has not been able to raise funds to rebuild his house.

    He said: “We were asked to fill forms to enable them reach us, but till now, nobody from any government or agency has come to give us anything. But I must say that we were fairly treated while we were camping.”

    Chief Morgan Ugorji, 78, a farmer from Akabuka in ONELGA, who lost his house, said he was given papers to fill, adding: “Till now, no money or material has been given to us from the local government, state, Federal Government or even the National Emergency Management Agency) We are still expecting them as they promised, if at all they will come.”

    Uzoma Johnson, 18, from Akabuka said his mother walked away from his father, who died before the flood, leaving him and his three younger ones in the care of their grandmother.

    During the disaster, he moved his grandmother to a relative’s place and they stayed there till the flood receded. His grandmother died without receiving the relief promised the victims.

    Mr Sunny Eze of New Elf Road, Ogbugo, who lost his house, now lives in Port Harcourt with a relative. His concern is “that people in power will use their power to manoeuvre things and collect all the money”.

    Communities worst hit in ONELGA are Oboboru, Idu, Ohali, Obagi, Akabuka and Ogbogu.

    Ahoada-West was submerged during the flooding; about 13 villages in Ahoada- East were also over-flooded.

    They are:Ula-kpata, Ochigba, Ihuike, Okpogaudhor, Ikata, Ozochi, Obumeze, Okpowo, Odiabidi, Ogbo, Ekpena, Ihugbuluko, Abarikpo and Odieke-Akoho.

    Mr Gideon Samuel of Ogbo in Ahoada-East was the Assistant Coordinator at St Peter’s State School Camp in his village, which was home to about 42 villages. “The number of campers there that time was about 3,852 according to the register we submitted to NEMA and the Ministry of Special Duties.”

    Samuel admitted that they were fairly treated while in the camp but he alleged that the committee set up by the local government nearly messed up the state government’s efforts as they were diverting some of the relief materials sent to them.

    “Since we returned, there has been no compensation from anywhere despite the promise that they would do something. Up till now, nothing has been given to us.”

    Mrs Justina Justice, from Ekpeye, said she used to trade before the flood, adding that she ran for safety with her seven children to her sister’s place in Anwunugbokor road in Ogbo community.

    Justice said the flood has put her in difficulty because her belongings were washed away by the ravaging flood and lamented that the much needed relief has failed to materialise.

    Chief James Epele of Abarikpo in Ahoada-East may have already given up hope of getting anything. “The money or relief materials they are talking about is for big men. The flood was for their good and not for us the victims.”

    The Commissioner for Special Duties , Mr Dickson Umunakwe, who was contacted, said he was unaware that the PCFRR has reached out to anybody affected by the in the state.

    Umunakwe said: “As a matter of fact, I once represented the state in that committee and these issues were canvassed. Even during one of the sub-committees’ meetings what we were informed by the chairman of that sub-committee is that by April this year, that they would start distributing relief materials and finances. But from what we estimated in things we lost in terms of infrastructure and other material losses, it is about N20 billion which we submitted to the committee.

    “So, they looked at the estimates and the losses and they said that by April, they would start distributing but till now, we have not heard anything from them, either in terms of materials or finances.”

    On the compensation for victims, the commissioner, who assumed office in January this year, said: “I have not come across the fact that the victims were promised compensation because I have not heard of that.

    “But, what we did as a matter of fact was that when they cried out through the four Local Government Areas that were affected that most of them were peasant farmers, they needed to go back to the farms, they requested for seedlings like cassava stem, plantain suckers, banana suckers and even yam, we made provision for that and they were well distributed. These were the post-flood relief materials we distributed to the victims.”

    Umunakwe admitted that the state government received N300 million from the Federal Government for the victims.

    Reacting to the claim of the PCFRR, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Emenike Umesi told The Nation that “I am not aware of that. It does not concern us. They are operating separately. We don’t know their inner workings.”

    It was not possible to speak with the spokesperson of the Red Cross Society in Port Harcourt. This reporters was told that the Coordinator was not available. This reporter was asked to drop a phone number through which she would be contacted. Till the time of this report, nothing was heard from the society.

     

     

  • The ‘mad’ rush for Otuoke varsity

    The ‘mad’ rush for Otuoke varsity

    Sounds of joy wafted from different corners of the main campus of the Federal University, Otuoke, last Saturday. Students in flowing green gowns and caps to match leaped out of a decorated section of the spacious compound in joy.

    They are the new students of the university for the 2012/2013 academic session. They just filed out from the venue of their matriculation ceremony after taking oaths to be of good conduct throughout the period of their studies. Despite, the rain, which was described as showers of blessing, the students celebrated their matriculation.

    Jennifer Agasi appeared the most excited. She kept jumping from place to place posing for pictures. Occasionally, she shouted with joy. She ran to most of her friends and took snap shots.

    When Niger Delta Report identified and moved towards her, she said: “Oh a journalist! This is indeed a blessed day. A journalist is here to talk to us”. She immediately called one of her friends, Alice Udanquka. “Alice, please come, there is a journalist here”, she said.

    Shortly, Alice raced down to the area to join Jennifer who hails from Ezite in Enugu State. In a voice that was laced with nervousness and joy, Jennifer described the day as unique.

    She said: “This is one of the events that happen once in a life time. I am very happy and I am proud to be found worthy to study in this university. As a new school, everything is new. Surprisingly, we have many facilities. Can you imagine that a day before my matriculation, I used microscope for the first time in my life.”

    Miss Agasi hoped to graduate from the university with first class in Microbiology. “I know it is not easy, but I will work hard”, she said.

    Similarly, Miss Udanquka described the opportunity of studying in the university located in the hometown of President Goodluck Jonathan as a privilege. Vowing to bag a First Class in Economic and Development Studies, the Akwa Ibom-born undergraduate observed that the institution was on a fast lane in terms of development.

    According to her, among all the new nine universities established in 2011 by the Federal Government, Otuoke remained outstanding.

    “I am not inferior to other students in old universities; we even have more facilities than some old schools. I am already enjoying myself,” she added.

    Kenneth Etibor from Edo State said he had been longing to study in the university since 2011.

    “This is like a dream come true. Immediately l got information that they were building the university in 2011, l developed hunger to study here. I slightly missed the first set; but l am here now.

    “Everything in the school is okay. I hope to graduate well. The distractions in the school are not many. We are always occupied and we don’t have time to think of distractions”, he said.

    Winifred Egwe from the Ijaw-speaking Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, advised other students aspiring to gain admissions to choose the Otuoke University.

    She said: “I am happy to be here. The school is really progressing and we have many facilities. I advise other people to choose the school because their education is really good.

    “We do practicals and other things. I am studying micro biology. I would like to graduate with a first class. I am working towards that”.

    For Efa Agbide from Ekeremor in Bayelsa State, she was not entirely happy. “My friends didn’t show up for my matriculation. I am a kind of sad but l am still happy because my parents came. I took pictures with them and they left”, she said.

    Agbide, who is studying Political Science, said Jonathan is her role model.

    “I want to be like him. But l would like to graduate with a first class first”, she said.

    On why she chose the school, she noted: “Studying Political Science, I am aspiring to be another Jonathan. The environment is very conducive. The place is calm. It is very secure and there are police everywhere. Otuoke will soon rub shoulders with University of Lagos”.

    In his matriculation speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, said the university attracted 10,000 applications from students across the country. Aluko also disclosed that of the number, the university offered admissions to 555 students while only 376 reported for studies.

    The VC said the second matriculation ceremony of the university was organised for the 376 students. He lamented the crisis rocking tertiary education which culminated in the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    He said the new institution would learn from the mistakes of its predecessors by not “growing too fast too quickly”. He said the management of the university would ensure that the staff’s and students’ sizes do not weigh down on available facilities and financial resources.

    He said the university would not compromise its standard of ensuring intake of quality students and staff employment despite pressures from various quarters.

    “It is some of these inadequacies that have led to the ongoing problems in our universities, culminating in the many strikes, one of which is still ongoing as we speak”, he said.

    He said the matriculated students comprised 161 girls and 215 boys, who were drawn from 22 states. 162 are in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; 214 are in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

    He said the two faculties were the only ones operating in the school with 12 departments. He commended the host community for its contributions in building all the blue-roofed structures on 15 of the 200 hectares of land it donated to the school.

    He praised Jonathan for ensuring the creation of the university in line with his Transformation Agenda, adding that the institution would research into gas, energy and environment, marine and wetland studies, human dynamics and conflict resolution and entrepreneurship.

    “Efforts are going on in seeing the university own, co-own, operate or co-operate processing of oil and marginal gas field nearby. Our faculty has already been active in Flood Mitigation Research and Studies in Bayelsa State,” he added.

    Aluko advised the students to consider themselves as very privileged to be early beneficiaries of the institution.

    He said: “Remember where you came from, where you are and what lies ahead of you. Attend your classes. Respect your lecturers and peers. Study hard and shun cultism and other nefarious activities.”

    The university will sure help hasten the development of the town, which hitherto has a population of 5,000 people.

    It is not only students who are rushing the school as Prof Aluko said, business owners are also moving in to catch in on the great opportunities the institution will bring with time. The establishment of the higher institution has unleashed a flurry of economic and social activities. It is a major federal presence that has redefined the community. Independent observers believe that establishing a tertiary institution of that magnitude in his small community was a masterstroke by Jonathan.

    Besides, businesses are closing shops in Yenagoa and elsewhere and moving Otuoke. Boutiques, cosmetic shops, restaurants etc are springing up. Eucharia, one of the owners of the new restaurants said the university attracted her to the community.

    “I came here to take advantage of the university. Business is good but we expect it to be better soon”, she said.

    Land speculators and developers have stormed the community. Land is hot cake and people are erecting different shades and sizes of buildings with aesthetic beauty. While some are building hostels to accommodate students, others are erecting hotels, clubs, shopping malls and shops to promote increased social and economic activities.

  • ‘How I emerged Eze Epara Rebisi XII’

    ‘How I emerged Eze Epara Rebisi XII’

    What is the significance of your installation as a monarch?

    The journey began in 2011, precisely on the 18th of November. That was the date of the home call of my predecessor Eze Epara Rebisi XI, Eze Sunday Nnanta Woluchem, who passed on.

    Since then it has not been easy, but by God’s grace the legacy of peace that he left behind has kept the kingdom together. It has been our prayers that today should come so that the reign would continue. So, we thank God that the day has happened.

    What is your claim to the monarchy?

    We have seven communities that make up the Rebisi Kingdom. These communities emerged from the seven brothers of the same father, who is Rebisi, the founder of the kingdom. As God would have it, the way the Rebisi people live, everybody understands his or her position in the kingdom. There is the Ark of Authority (called the Owhor) given to each son of Rebisi. That Ark, we call it in local parlance Owhor. That is the mantle of authority.

    The first son of Rebisi, known as Olozu keeps the paramount Owhor, which is the ultimate Owhor. That is the staff of office with which he rules over the kingdom. The palace you are in today is not only the palace of Eze Epara Rebisi, but also the palace of the paramount Owhor holder of Rebisi. Therefore, we inherited the staff of authority to rule over Rebisi Kingdom. As it were, it is also the first class chieftaincy stool in Rebisi.

    We know that in every kingdom when a traditional stool is vacant there are claimants, what is the case here and if you have such challenges what are you doing to bring your brothers together?

    We know that there are other claimants to this throne, but having been chosen, what is your plan to ensure unity and peace?

    I would not say that there are claimants to this throne. If there is misunderstanding, it is borne out of ignorance because right from time immemorial, my ancestors that have gone before now have all inherited this position peacefully and they have all being accepted by Rebisi people. This is because Rebisi people know that it is only this palace that has authority to rule over them. So if anybody is feigning grievance, it must be out of ignorance. Therefore by the time we finish and beginning to run the councils: council of elders, council of chiefs, we will come together and discuss amicably whatever the grievance is. I will tell you, and am assuring you, that we will never have setback and we will overcome all the challenges.

    Who is the new Eze of Rebisi Kingdom?

    I am a 60-year-old freeborn of this Rebisis Kingdom. I grew up here as a child and I went to local school, then St. Paul School, Diobu. I proceeded to secondary school, which I finished in Stellar Marris College, Port Harcourt. My higher education was done in England in an institution called Central Lancashire University, Preston in England. I have been back in my country and my kingdom since 1981. I have continued to understudy the now my predecessor. So I had preparations not only from my father who was Eze Epara Rebisi the 10th, I continued my tutelage under Eze Epara Rebisi the 11th. I can tell you that if there is a university to study how to rule a kingdom I have attended and graduated. I have been prepared for this task at hand over time and I am happy to state that I am now ready for the challenges, responsibilities and duties of Eze.

    What are you interests and hobbies?

    Oh, I love football, who doesn’t?

    Do you support any club?

    Local clubs? I have to beg your pardon on this. Sharks and Dolphin are my primary local clubs but I will tell you that from 1974 while I was in England I have always supported one club and that is Liverpool Football Club and I have never changed. And you know, we never walk alone (laughter).

    I am married to a humble, loving lady called Felicia Woluchem. She is the first daughter of a Methodist bishop. We were university sweethearts and our romance ended in marriage. Our marriage is blessed with children. To the glory of God, the children are all adults now.

    How do you relax?

    I am an enthusiast of the internet. I am always on the net with my laptop. Sometimes you will be surprised I will be at my desk at ungodly hours, surfing the net. I read all local newspapers as early as 3am and it may interest you to know that the first local newspaper I read every day is The Nation. I read a lot and I listen to music. Those I the things I relax with but if there is football, wrestling or boxing on television, you will find me there when I have the time.

    What should your people expect from you?

    The Rebisi people should expect an action Eze. I believe that sometimes peace could be the inability to confront conflicts. When there are conflicting issues and you do not confront them, you might have peace, but it won’t be an enduring peace. We must tackle issues as they present themselves and to logical conclusions. I intend to build bridges, even with kingdoms that may not be as friendly now as we expect them to be. I will stay away from politics and the most I can do is to present the needs and aspirations of my kingdom through my local politicians – the councillors, my chairman or Mayor of Port Harcourt to the authorities that be because I believe in dialogue. When you dialogue, you understand problems and when you understand problems they become easier to solve.

    What is your advice to the key players in the Rivers crisis?

    My advice to the key players is to be honest with each other because honesty can lead you to places. What monarchs should see are results; politicians come up and they make promises and sometimes you don’t see them again until they need them (monarchs) for their second terms. They then come back and make more promises. If we get politicians that are responsive and care and also listen, our people will not grumble. What I expect the politicians to do is not just to feather their own nest alone; they should remember their constituencies and leave legacies positive behind. I can tell you without contradiction that we have seen positive changes with this government. Projects have been put on ground; these are things we can all see. I pray that the government should be allowed to continue its good works. They should dialogue with each other and settle whatever their differences are.

    The people of my kingdom have crowned a king that has vision and we will work assiduously to achieve the dreams of our people. So, whoever that feels aggrieved in anyway should seek the hand of friendship of the palace and the palace shall reciprocate in like manner.

     

  • ‘The problem with Southsouth’s local govts’

    ‘The problem with Southsouth’s local govts’

    It was the drama that said it all. The audience watched students of history at the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island as they demonstrated the rots in various local government areas in the Southsouth. One theme stood out from the literary piece: Local government areas have betrayed their constitutional responsibilities.

    The venue was the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa. The event was the first Southsouth Zonal Conference of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN).

    Worried about lack of development in the grassroots despite huge revenue allocations accruing to local government areas, HSN chose ‘Local Government Administration and Development in the Southsouth: Landmark, problems and prospects’, as the theme of its maiden zonal conference. A renowned Professor of History, Joe Alagoa, was the chairman of the event.

    An Associate Professor of History and International Relations and Diplomacy, at the University of Benin, Dr. Eddy Erhagbe, who delivered the keynote address, used the occasion to highlight the functions of local government areas as spelt out in the Fourth Schedule Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution.

    He observed that the local government system in the region was guilty of violating one of the major democratic principles. He said most of the operators of local government councils were not elected.

    “Like in most parts of Nigeria, the local government councils were or are being run by appointed care-taker committees, even some states have not held elections for their local councils for as long as eight years”, he said.

    Identifying dangers in imposing leaders on the people at the grassroots, he said: “The fact remains therefore that abinitio these unelected council administrations are un-democratic, since their operators have been answerable more to those that appointed them than those they were expected to serve.

    “The direct implication of this has been that accountability couldn’t be expected or pursued. Closely tied to the failure to hold elections has been the manner of the dissolution of council administrations, especially the removal of council chairmen.”

    The lecturer also took a swipe at the conducts of local government leaders. He accused some of the leaders of financial recklessness, noting that in some local councils, such leaders were only seen in their offices when it was time to share the revenue allocated to their councils.

    He referred to such leaders as the chairmen of “share the money” and “carry go” adding that their attitude had endorsed absenteeism among workers in the councils.

    He was also angry that most local councils in the region had failed to discharge their smaller statutory responsibilities. He said: “In most areas while projects were declared to have been executed they were only done on paper.

    “Roads, boreholes, health centers and classrooms were built and constructed on paper and in the media but definitely not on ground. It has been argued that but for the first line charge for primary school teachers’ salaries from the local councils allocations many would have been without salaries.

    “Thus the local government councils have not been the veritable instrument for the transformation and development of the local communities/ rural areas that they were envisaged to be.”

    He recalled that the abysmal nature of local councils compelled the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tinker with the idea of abolishing the system. But he said the idea was dropped after series of arguments that even states and federal government were to some extent guilty of the sins of local government areas.

    The don kicked against total autonomy for local governments, stressing that allowing complete autonomy would promote the whims and caprices of local government administrators.

    He, however, advocated limited or controlled autonomy for local government areas. He observed that with some control of the system, local government areas in Edo, Bayelsa and Rivers states have distinguished themselves in terms of performance.

    He said: “It will be most a historical to give the impression that the performance of local governments in the Southsouth has been one of abysmal failure, and the situation has been static.

    “As a matter of fact if there is greater monitoring of the performance of governments at the other levels of governance in Nigeria, Nigerians will get to enjoy more the benefits of democracy.”

    Governor Seriake Dickson said the state believes in local government autonomy. He said the government had laid foundations to ensure that the local government areas maintained their independence within the provisions of the constitution.

    As part of steps to guarantee the autonomy, he said the government ensures that the councils receive their full monthly revenue allocations.

    He said the state government also supports the councils in the payment of the primary school teachers’ salaries.

    According to him, the government pays up to 60 per cent of the salaries adding that the culture of transparency and accountability had been entrenched in the councils.

    He said the councils were being compelled to identify with some laudable programmes of the government.

    For example, he said local councils had already keyed into the housing programme of the state adding that each local government area was expected to build 10 housing units.

    Earlier in his opening address, the Vice-President, HSN, Southsouth, Dr. Steve Olali, said the conference was aimed at identifying the problems that were inimical to the sustenance of the local government.

    Olali, who is also the Chief Historian and Archivist of Bayelsa State, said the conference was the first to be organised in the Southsouth zone of HSN.

  • One Urhobo kingdom, seven monarchs

    One Urhobo kingdom, seven monarchs

    The famous Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is embroiled in crisis. Eight monarchs are jostling for recognition after four of the clans that make up the old kingdom broke away and installed their own kings. More than one monarch has also emerged within some of the sub-clans.

    Chief Thomas Oketete of Uhurie-Subclan is Okutu l, Ovie of Uhurie Kingdom; Mr Felix Ofuru of Ughevwughe-Uhurie Subclan is Ovie of Ughievwen Kingdom; Chief Thompson Apah of Agbowhiame-Ukpedi Subclan, is Adjasaba l, Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom; T.E.O.Oviri of Okwagbe-Ukpedi Subclan is Mosumo-Okwagbe l, Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom and Dafe Bukeroro Kogbodi of Egbo-Ideh-Owahwa Subclan is Ode l, Ovie of Owahwa Kingdom.

    Others are William Kushone of Iwhreka-Orhowhe Subclan, Ovie of Orhowhe Kingdom and David Okome of Otor-Edo -Orhowhe subclan, Edo l, Ovie of Orhowhe kingdom.

    The kings have their crowd of supporters and opponents within the larger kingdom and their own clans. They also have personal trouble and challenges they are contending with. But none faces as much headache as the Okobaro of Ugheivwen, HRM Mathew Egbi Owawha II, whose sphere of authority has been greatly reduced by rebellious subjects. He faces war from seven fronts.

    Two of the contestants to the various thrones are in trouble over their aspirations; while one of the ‘kings’ has been declared wanted by the police, another has been arrested and in custody.

    Although the Secretary of Ughievwen Traditional Council of Chiefs, Olorogun Benson Tietie, told our reporter that there is only one Okobaro (king), Owawha II, in Ughievwen, our investigation revealed otherwise.

    Among the newly emerged kingdoms is Ukpedi, which leaders recently crowned His Royal Majesty Tony Evwiroro Maka Oviri (JP) (Okwagbe I) as king.

    Throwing a light on the crisis that led to the disintegration of the Ughievwen Kingdom, the sectional monarch said the development was the product of 20 years of internal bickering over the throne of Okobaro (king) of Ughievwen.

    It was gathered that the emergence of the current monarch, Owawha II as the Okobaro of Ughievwen did enjoy the support of other clans. It was gathered he enjoys the support of the state government, which Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama hails from the kingdom.

    Although Owawha II received a staff of office from the state government in 2011, he failed to receive the respect of other clans. The grievances of those opposed to him, our finding revealed, stemmed from the fact that he hails from Owawha clan (as his title implies), the same as the last occupant of the throne.

    Olorogun Tietie clarified that the case went to court and a ruling affirming Owawha II as king was obtained.

    He said rather that appeal the ruling, various sub-clans came up with their iown kings, stating: “As at today, there are seven kings.”

    “Thomas Okotete declared himself king of Uwhurie. We went to court to challenge it and the judge referred the matter to UPU (Urhobo Progress Union) for settlement. Other clans are declaring themselves kingdom. Now there are seven. One of the ‘kings; have been declared wanted, one remanded in custody. Others are moving up and down parading themselves. But it is illegal.”

    But speaking with reporters at Eyara, the ancestral home of the clan after his coronation, Okwagbe I said it was agreed that the various clans should go their separate ways to restore peace among the people.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the 11 communities that make up the kingdom.

    He said: “The division all started as a result of the struggle for the succession of the Okobaro seat, particularly when His Royal Majesty Dase from Owawha Kingdom passed on. It took the kingdom over twenty years to find somebody to succeed him and, as a result of the wrangling that occurred, the counsel from men of God and other men of wisdom, the communities came to the conclusion that it was better that the four sub-clans that made up the Ughievwen Kingdom go their separate ways.

    “The meeting led to another round of meeting which (was) thought wise by High Chief Kenneth Gbagi (former Minister of State for Education) and other sons of the kingdom that led to the unanimous decision that the four sub-clans should go their separate ways.

    “As I speak to you now, the Uwurhie at that time which felt offended as a result of not having a bite of the kingship were the first to have succeeded, and they have their own king.”

    Okwagbe 1 told his supporters that his reign would attract massive development and usher fresh breath to the people of the kingdom. He added that he was aware of the problems facing his people.

    He said: “Our community felt that enough is enough for the wicked ones, they selected me and crowed as a king. To them, I have the grassroots support; I have the middle class, the women and men, youths. Iit was an overwhelming support my people showed to me. And as at yesterday (on Monday) the elders and leaders of the 11 communities that make up the Ukpedi Kingdom, crowned me in a very groundbreaking ceremony as their Ovie, and I will not disappoint them.

    “I want to commend one of our High Chiefs, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi who I would say midwife this kingdom and by the grace of God, we are grateful to him for his very bold step. With this, it is going to be a new dawn for the kingdom.”

    He urged the people of the kingdom to give the monarch the needed support to succeed.

    Nevertheless, our independent investigations revealed that there is crisis even within the Ukpedi Kingdom. Sources, who asked not to be named, said a section of the chiefs in the kingdom have elected their own king.

    “Tony Oviri, no doubt, enjoys the support of some prominent members of the kingdom, including the former minister and a prominent clergy, who is an executive member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), but the truth remains that there are other persons in the kingdom. The opinions of these other persons are also important,” our source said.

    But, some are also backing Apah of Agbowhiame-Ukpedi Subclan, who has also been crowned Adjasaba l, Ovie of Ukpedi Kingdom.

    How long the crisis rages may determine how many monarchs finally emerge. But, Tietie, who backs his position with the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Laws, Section 20 (2a), warned that those parading themselves risk being sent to jail.

    He said: “…they shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment of two years or a fine of N5,000.”

    What is certain though is that the last has not been heard of the Ughievwen monarchs and their kingdoms.

  • Rivers Justice Ndu retires in grand style

    Rivers Justice Ndu retires in grand style

    Valedictory ceremonies were held in honour of the immediate past Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iche N Ndu on Monday at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt. It was followed by inspection of valedictory guard of honour and court session at the Chief Judge’s Ceremonial Court Hall, New Court Building, Port Harcourt.

    He was the sixth CJ to serve the state since it was created 46 years ago(1967). He served in the office for 12 years.

    The ceremonies were witnessed by lawyers, politicians and government functionaries, including Justice Ndu’s successor, Justice Peter Agumagu, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, Justice and Mrs. Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, Anambra State Chief Justice Justice Peter Umeadi, Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chair Felix Obuah, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo II of Ekpeye Land, His Royal Majesty (Flt Lt) Robinson O Robinson and former Head of Service in Rivers State Dame Esther Alucha.

    Dr. Ndu used the opportunity of the ceremonies to advise his colleagues.

    He urged judges to be wary of politicians. He accused the executive of gross abuse of power and urged the judiciary especially the judges to be cautious in dispensing of justice.

    He condemned indiscriminate seeking of exparte motion order of injunction by politicians saying it amounts to abuse of the judiciary.