The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) inability to commence production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State despite numerous promises and six postponements as of August 2024.

    In a statement by Dakuku Francis, the group said this recurring failure confirms that a cabal within the NNPCL is deliberately scheming to exploit the region’s crude oil producers.

    The latest broken promise came from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, who assured that the refinery would begin operations in September 2024.

    However, after September, the NNPC has failed to provide any updates on the refinery’s status.

    The Port Harcourt refinery with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, was touted to be a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. After reaching mechanical completion of rehabilitation work in December, the facility was expected to start refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

    The group alleged that Mele Kyari, the Managing Director of NNPCL, plans to utilise the Port Harcourt refinery as a blending company.

    The Niger Delta youths demanded answers and action from the company, citing concerns that the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit the region’s resources.

    Francis lamented that the failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.

    He said the NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    The youths are concerned that the company’s actions may be driven by a desire to maintain the status quo, where crude oil is exported and refined abroad, rather than benefiting the local economy.

    Read Also: Shettima unveils initiative to combat malnutrition

    Francis said: “The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We are demanding answers and action from the company, the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit our region’s resources.

    “The failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders. The NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    “The Niger Delta region, which produces the majority of Nigeria’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and equitable benefits from the country’s oil and gas resources. The NNPCL’s actions, or lack thereof, threaten the region’s economic development and perpetuate a sense of marginalization.”

    In light of these concerns, the Niger Delta youths are calling for urgent action from the NNPCL.

    Francis said: “The company must provide a clear and realistic timeline for the commencement of fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

    “Additionally, the NNPCL must explain the repeated delays and broken promises, including any technical or financial challenges that may have arisen.

    “Moreover, the company must ensure transparency in its dealings with regional crude oil producers. This includes providing regular updates on the refinery’s progress, engaging with stakeholders, and addressing concerns in a timely and responsive manner.”

  • Cocoa farmers clash in Cross River

    Cocoa farmers clash in Cross River

    Rival cocoa farmers and thugs have clashed, leaving some injured and others hospitalised around the government Cocoa estate in Etung local government area of Cross River.

    The Nation reports some of the farmers alleged a compromise in the armed security patrol team in the area, blaming the situation on the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the State Government, Maj.Gen Rtd. Okoi Obono, who has offered explanations on the crisis.

    One of the victims, a small holder Cocoa farmer at Abonita Cocoa farm, Mr. Mark Prince, called on the State Director Department of State Services (DSS), Mrs. Roseline Izuagbe, to Investigate the attack on his six workers by thugs and inflicted various degree of injuries on his workers in the area since October 2, 2024.

    Prince stated the injured workers are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in  Ikom, Cross River State. The cause of the clash was yet unknown as of the time of filing this report.

    He blamed the Special Adviser to the State Government on Security  Matters, Rtd. Major General Okoi Obono,  of compromising the security situation at the l32 hectares Abonita cocoa estate which shares a boundary with  government Cocoa estate in the area, calling for an investigation into the matter.

    One of the victims Mr. Kelly Abang said: “I went to do work at Mr  Mark Prince’s  cocoa farm yesterday and one  man, identified as Chilo met us in the bush and asked us about the owner of the farm and we  told him we are laborers working for Mark Prince.

    Read Also: Cocoa farmers, firm, settle differences in Ondo

    “He demanded that I should call our Boss, Mr. Mark Prince, because he wants to speak with him. And I responded to his demand and I put a call across to Mark Prince and they spoke with each other. And thereafter, Mr. Chilo  ( ASU Njor) asked us to continue with our work and he left in the company of the boys. Only for him to return back about 30 minutes later in the company of some  armed young men who tortured us squarely  and inflicted numerous injuries on us with machetes.”

    But the accused, Mr. Asu Njor (Chilo), denied any involvement in the attack. 

    Reacting, Obono denied the alleged compromise of the security details at the estate, stressing that he had asked the police to commence an immediate investigation into the crisis.

  • CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    Foremost Rights group, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has decried the alleged conspiracy by some influential individuals within the Asaba province of Delta State to deprive a female land owner of her property. 

    It  urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, to promptly intervene in the interest of justice.

    The organisation, which alleged due to the strong connections of those involved in the alleged land grabbing,  the case which ought to have been investigated by Delta Command was transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, appealed to Egbetokun to reverse the matter to its original investigating unit for convenience.

    CDHR, in a statement signed by its national President, Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Prince Taiga, noted that cases of oppressive land grabbing using the instrumentality of security agencies had been on the increase in Delta State and other parts of the country for some time and it has become very expedient to up an end to the injustices in the interest of masses.

    Making references to series of petitions written by the legal representative to the land owner, the Rights group maintained that the plots to dispossess Hajia Halima of her property were being masterminded despite evidence of ownership by her counsels to appropriate government agencies for prompt action in the case.

    According to the statement, one of such was by a laws firm; OG Nwachukwu & CO, (Gifted Chamber), in a protest latter, dated October 2, 2024, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, where it was established that Hajia Halima acquired properties behind WICHTECH, Delta State, from Amachai Community, Delta State.

    “Our client had upon completion of the purchase of the property, paid all the communal dues and other fees as required, after which she fenced her property. 

    “She had built on the property, 2 security houses, 2 uncompleted buildings comprising of a 2 bedroom apartment each, 4 fish ponds (of which one was concrete and the others, trampoline), a borehole, CCTV camera stations, Chicken houses for poultry, a German Shepherd security dog, 63 Turkey birds, plantain trees, as well as other economic trees planted.

    “On September 20, 2024, our client received a distress call from her security guard at the property, informing her that the property was being demolished by some persons who had forcefully made their way into the land. He further informed our client that the assailants had come with bulldozers and also had policemen present at the scene as they destroyed everything on the property.”

    Read Also: NLC cautions police against starting undemocratic agenda over siege on CDHR office

    Taiga, also made reference to another protest letter by AL-JABBAAR & ASSOCIATES, (Legal Practitioners & Consultants) on behalf of Hajia Halima petition IGP Kayode Egbetokun, where a case of court contempt was established against some individuals who masterminded the said attack on the client’s property and threatened her life.

    “That to the greatest shock again of our client, her findings reveals some agents of the land grabbing cartel within the Police Force used their position at the Force Headquarters, perfected the arrangement to over this case transferred out of the state to Abuja to allegedly frustrate her and at the end bury the matter. 

    “We are therefore soliciting the intervention of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, in bring the matter back to Delta state and direct the Police Command to carry out thorough investigations on it before charging the case to court, in order to allow all the parties present documents to their ownership claim of the property for adjudication in court of competence jurisdiction,” the CDHR stated. 

  • Prof. Azinge right choice as Asagba of Asaba, says Kalu

    Prof. Azinge right choice as Asagba of Asaba, says Kalu

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said by the selection of Professor Epiphany Azinge as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba, the people have made the right choice. 

    He congratulated Professor Azinge on his coronation as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba on Saturday in Ogwashi Ukwu, Delta State.

    Azinge, a Professor of Law and former Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies emerged the new Asagba following the death of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, on February 14, 2024.

    His selection was announced on August 18, 2024 by the Asagba-in-Council of the Asaba traditional council after a voting process. 

    In his congratulatory message, the Deputy Speaker said that the traditional rulers and indeed, the people made the right choice in Azinge who also holds the chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba. 

    He said that the selection of Azinge to be the custodian of the people’s culture showcases him as a man of great wisdom. 

    Kalu further stated that Azinge’s unique blend of intellectual brilliance and compassionate heart made him the ideal monarch to guide the Asaba kingdom toward peace, prosperity, and unity. 

    The Deputy Speaker added that the coronation is a testament to the legal luminary’s power of knowledge, integrity, and dedication.

    He wished Azinge a successful reign marked by peace, justice, love and unity. 

  • Anti-oil theft taskforce applauds NNPC boss for transparent service delivery

    Anti-oil theft taskforce applauds NNPC boss for transparent service delivery

    A Niger Delta Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation and Oil Theft Task Force Group (NAVOTTFG) has expressed its commendation for Lawal Sade, the Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, for his exemplary performance in promoting transparency and efficiency within the oil sector.

    This recognition came amid rising concerns over crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder, also known as ‘General’ Osama, leads this group, which comprises former ex-militant leaders.

     In a statement released on Friday, October 4, following an emergency meeting, ‘General’ Osama highlighted Sade’s significant contributions to the industry, noting that he had successfully navigated the complexities of the oil market, ensuring a profitable and efficient distribution of refined petroleum products.

    According to him, Sade’s three decades of experience in various capacities within the oil and gas value chain had cemented his status as a distinguished leader.

    The group praised him as a “global phenomenon,” acknowledging his commitment to excellent service delivery and his strategic efforts in repositioning and transforming NNPC Trading Company into a model of operational excellence in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NNPCL/Seplat provides free eye health services in Imo

    NAVOTTFG’s endorsement of Sade reflects a broader recognition of effective leadership in addressing industry challenges while ensuring the sustainability of oil production and supply in the region.

    Osama said: “It is also on record that while in NNPC Retail Limited, Sade primarily introduced the Sales and Marketing Unit and also led the SWAT team that transited NNPCL Retail to cash and carry an operating model that resulted in huge financial savings and entrenched internal control mechanism framework to position the NNPC Retail Limited today.

    “At this juncture, the leadership of the NAVOTTFG emphatically commends and applauds the Managing Director of NNPC Trading, Mr Lawal Sade, for his transparent and outstanding performance in service delivery, and for standing tall in the nation’s downstream sector, bringing his wealth of experience by taking major and bold steps to reposition, transform and organise the NNPC trading company to an enviable height that is remarkable before all Nigerians.

    “We are bold to also state that since the appointment of Sade at the helm of affairs of NNPCL trading there has been transparency in the entire value chain of the nation’s crude oil and petroleum products wholesale distribution network that has brought about sanity and accountability that led to international and national oil major players to build much confidence in the nation’s oil sector, and we are proud of the milestone achievements recorded by him.

    “Sade has rejuvenated the sector by working assiduously to restructure, transform and reposition the NIDAS, with the organisation now a force to be reckoned with in the international shipping market after seven years of delay.”

    “Sade championed the turnaround process that resulted in resolving long outstanding legacy issues, which led to increased and diversified revenue generation that has placed NIDAS on the path of growth sustainability.”

    He stated that with the giant strides recorded by Sade, there was no gainsaying about the fact that he had successfully and enviably placed NNPCL strategically to be a member of the prestigious Oil Company International Marine Forum (OCIMF), a globally recognised shipping community that is a major boost to Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations.

  • We’re hiding released kidnapped victim for safety, says family

    We’re hiding released kidnapped victim for safety, says family

    The family of a kidnapped victim, Mr. Benjamin Aduhor, has explained they decided he should go into hiding pending when all the issues relating to his release are settled. 

    According to the family, he is in hiding because his kidnappers are still holding on to his negotiator in exchange for more ransom.

    Aduhor, Managing Director of U2 Group of Companies, was abducted at Ugbomoro area in Uvwie Council area on Friday, September 11, 2024 around 11;10 pm by gunmen who killed one of his police escorts and shot indiscriminately for a while before he was whisked away.

    A ransom of N100m was placed on him but after serious negotiation, it was reduced. 

    Based on the collective efforts of family members, business associates and friends, he was released after spending 17 days with abductors.

    However a new twist to the incident occurred when the kidnappers decided to held back the negotiator, who volunteered to drop the ransom at the various locations he was directed. 

    They started making demands for more money for his release.

    Read Also: Whereabouts of kidnapped Benin ASUU zonal coordinator still unknown

    Making the stand of Aduhor’s family to hide their son known in a a statement to newsmen in Warri, Mr. Godwin Aduhor, the victim’s younger brother, said they took the decision in the best interest of their son and his family who had been traumatised by the incident. 

    He noted that the kidnappers had been contacting the family to make more money available for the release of the negotiator. 

    According to him: “We, the members of the Aduhor family have decided to take our son and brother, Benjamin Aduhor and his immediate family away from the public scene temporarily until the whole issue about the kidnapping incident had been resolved”.

    “We have been receiving series of calls and threats from his abductors to bring more money for the release of his negotiator that they are currently holding hostage and because of the trauma the entire family had passed through since the incident, we do not wish to take chances with his life and that of his immediate family again”.

    “He (Benjamin Aduhor) will continue to remain in the hiding pending when all these kidnapping issues had come to end and we pray that the kidnappers would allow reason to prevail and release the person they are currently holding without further delay and conditions.”

  • End of tenure: Rivers CTC chairman distributes vehicles, palliative to indigents

    End of tenure: Rivers CTC chairman distributes vehicles, palliative to indigents

    …commends Fubara for the opportunity
    …announces departure date

    The Caretaker Committee (CTC), chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Evans Bipi said he would vacate office on October 7.

    Bipi spoke during a pathing ceremony he held for his committee members, in the locality yesterday.

    During the event, the CTyC chairman distributed vehicles to members of the clmmittee and bags of rice, other food items to indigent members from the 12 Wards of the LGA as his pathing gifts.

    The outgoing Committee chairman was among the 23 CTC members apointed by Governor Siminialayi Fubara after the forceful ousting of the elected Council men June 17.

    The committee memebers were appointed with the mandate to prepare ground for the conduct of Council election within three months.

    Counting three months from the inauguration date, the three months ended September 17.

    There are speculations however that the exercise might not hold on the scheduled date. The speculators believe that there is nothing on ground to show that the exercise would hold, plus the fsct that the APC and PDP have declared their intentions to boycott the polls.

    Read Also: Why Court’s order can’t stop Rivers LG poll, Beke-led APC writes INEC

    But the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), has insisted that the poll would hold on Saturday, October 5, no matter what.

    Speaking earlier, Bipi scored his administration high on Economic Empowerment, Human Capital Development, Education, Electricity, provision of water and other basic amenities.

    He listed his achievements to include economic empowerment of over 800 persons from the rural populace with business grants, sustained distribution of food items to the poor and vulnerable people in the area throughout his three month tenure.

    It was meant to cushion widespread hunger occasioned by the prevailing economic hardship in the country, award of bursaries to over 400 indigent students of the LGA in higher institutions across the country, enrollment of over 100 applicants in free WAEC GCE.

    Other areas of intervention by the CTC Chairman include, improvement of power and water supply in Bolo, renovation/remodeling of Corpers Lodge in Bolo, restoration of electric power supply in Ele satellite community after 3years of blackout as well as ongoing renovation of the community Townhall, renovation and upgrade of existing public toilet facilities to modern standard as well as construction of new ones at river banks in the LGA to improve hygiene and public health.

    The Ogu/Bolo Council Boss also promised to flag-off the construction of Townhall in Owu-ogono satellite community before he leaves office.

    The feats were in line with the mandate given to the CTC chairmen by Siminialayi Fubara during their inauguration.

    He thanked Fubara for the opportunity given him to serve.

    He also thanked the people of Ogu/Bolo for their support while pledging his commitment to the well-being of the people and continuous progress of the LGA.

  • Nigeria @ 64: Ogoni group call for establishment of refineries/LNG plants for oil resumption

    Nigeria @ 64: Ogoni group call for establishment of refineries/LNG plants for oil resumption

    …sends a Save-Our -Soul to FG/security agents over alleged herdmen attacks in area

    Members of Ogoni Peoples Assembly (OPA), have suggested some workable measures to the Federal Government (FG), that if adopted would fast track oil resumption in Ogoniland.

    There is no gain saying that oil exploration was suspended in Ogoniland over 30 years ago following unresolved crisis between them and the International oil Company operating in the area, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

    The issues were related to oil spill/ pollution and its consequential environmental degradation.

    The event led to the death of many persons in Ogoniland , including their Leaders, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others.

    The barred Shel from further operations in the area.

    However efforts by succeeding governments to resume production in the erea have continued to hit brick wall.

    The people have insisted that thwi4 messed up environment must be cleaned up and that exploration in the area must be on their own terms.

    The OPA, an elitists group in a statement to mark Nigeria at 64 yesterday listed some measures that could end the lingering disagreements and pave way for oil resumption activities in the communities.

    In the test issued in Port Harcourt, the State capital, l yesterday, they noted that building of refinery facility in each of the six oil fields in the area, replication of Bonny Liquefied Natural Gas plant, establishment of Environment University in Ogoniland, among others would pacify the people to allow smooth and peaceful operations in the place.

    Read Also: Security forces uncover 66 illegal crude oil refineries

    The document was jiontly signed by the group Leader Rev. Probel Williams and the Secretary, Dr. Evidence Enoch.

    The people noted that Ogoni people are free minded and are open for meaningful discussion with the government.

    They condmned the situation where efforts are being made to re-enter the area through the backdoor, describing it as suspect and infantile.

    They said, “The clandestine and nocturnal approach to oil resumption is both suspect and infantile. What happens to conventional dislogue, negotiation, lobbying, round-table discussion, compensation, reconciliation, reintegration and restoration of the people, land and glory of Ogoni?” they queried.

    “Oil operability models and global best practices do exist as templates to adumbrate, modify, and adopt as fit-for-purpose, and this again after consideration of exoneration, and the demands of the Ogoni people as enshrined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights(OBR).

    “Consultations, engagements, negotiation, recounciliation, reintegration, and rehablitation of the lands and people of Ogoni are paramount.

    “Ogoni is indeed a gas-field with associated oll. What about a re-entry plan predicated on prior establishment of a world class Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Plant in Ogoni, University of Environment, and refinery in each of the six oilfields of Ogoni as sorry/ compensation gifts, for the years of neglect and devastation.

    “Whereas Ogoni is open to sincere conversations, the unlikely attempt at forceful usurpation and occupation will only deepen the already deep gulf of genocide and extermination of a people with a messianic covenant, an absolute impossibility”.

    Also the grpup decried the alleged invasion, attacks/killing of residents of the area by suspected Herdsmen rampaging the communities forests.

    The people in a Save-Our-Soul (SOS), document to the FG and Security agencies appealed for quick intervention to stame the tide as soon as possible, to avoid their resprting to self defence.

    “The recent attacks on Ogoni special areas of Agbeta in Eleme Local Government Area, Tai and Khana Council areas by suspected herdsmen are just too many. We therefore send a Save-our-soul(SOS), to the security agencies to rise to the occasion and come to our aid.

    “Ogoni, bleeds yet again, and cries for the right to live and let live. May we not be forced to seek self-help.”

    The people noted that Ogoni people are peaceful, law abiding and resolute. They urged the attackers to learn from history and retrace their steps from the further invasion, attacks on the people.

  • GCON honour on Akpabio excites APC elders in A’Ibom

    GCON honour on Akpabio excites APC elders in A’Ibom

    The Abak Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the GCON national award bestowed on him by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement by the forum’s chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Udosen, Atuekong Ofonmbuk Anaka, Joseph Ikpaisong and two other elders, the Forum said it was elated by the GCON award on Akpabio.

    According to the Forum, the award of the second most prestigious national award on the Senate President was a testament to Akpabio’s exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to the APC and the nation.

    The statement reads in parts, “We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to you on the conferment of the prestigious national honor, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger,on you by the President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu.

    “This well deserved recognition and honour is a tastement to your exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to our great party, the APC, and the nation 

    “Your selfless, unwavering commitment and inspiring stewardship have earned you this honour.We are proud to have you at the helm, guiding us towards excellence 

    Read Also: GCON on Akpabio well deserved, APC group

    “This national recognition not only honours your individual achievements but also reflects positively on our party’s values and mission.Your leadership has been a beacon of hope and motivation and we are grateful for the opportunity to work under your guidance 

    “Please accept our sincere appreciation and heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement. May this honour inspire you to continue leading us to greater heights

    ‘The entire APC family in Abak local government area celebrates you and prays to God to continue to raise you to greater heights and bring you more breakthroughs and, recognitions and honours”.

  • Okpebholo’s victory is beginning of new dawn in Edo, says Edo federal lawmaker

    Okpebholo’s victory is beginning of new dawn in Edo, says Edo federal lawmaker

    The member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode federal constituency of Edo state in the House of Representatives, Chief. Billy Adesuwa Osawaru has said that the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo is the beginning of a new dawn for the people of Edo state. 

    The lawmaker also attributed the victory of the APC in the September 21 governorship election to team work in the part of all members of the party across the three Senatorial district of the state. 

    In an interview with The Nation, Osawaru describe the Governor-Elect and his Deputy as agents of development, pointing out that they have already put in place a concrate plan for the development of the state. 

    He said Senator Okpebholo was ready to hit the ground running once he is inaugurated, adding that all members of the party in the state were ready to collaborate with him to ensure a turn around of the state. 

    Responding to allegations of vote buying against the APC during the elections, he said: “I don’t know what they mean hy vote buying. What I know is that since I joined politics here in Nigeria, I have always seen coming out to vote and after election, we always see one side, especially the side that lost always talking about the winner buying votes. 

    “So, it’s still like a mirage to me when people start bringing such allegations that the side that won was involved in vote buying. All I can say is that we did election, people came and we were able to convince them to vote for our party and we won. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo and Sanwo-Olu

    “If you are coming up with such allegations, you should have proof and by now, you should make them public. If you see somebody being ten thousand naira, you should have a video or picture evidence to back it up and as an observer group, you know what to do. Take the necessary steps and take a decision whether you want to go to court or not instead of making allegations”. 

    He also dismissed allegations that the victory of the APC in Edo state amount to the return of godfatherism to the state, saying “if you go to somebody who has occupied an office before for advice, does that mean godfatherism? What that mean is collaboration to ensure development of the state”

    While insisting that the APC victory was as a result of hard work and team work, he said the party campaigned vigorously, going round the three senatorial zones to sell their candidate and his programme to the people of the state. 

    He said: “With the way things were and the governor making statements like Nigeria will burn, it’s a do or die, the APC really had no choice than to go all out to work for its victory. We all did what we had to do to ensure that we win that election. 

    “The federal government stood up and endured that there was a level playing field by deploying enough security to protect the voters and the result irrespective of who wonwon and because there was enough security, the better side won. 

    “The APC campaigned, we worked round the clock and the results are there to show you who worked the hardest.