The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • FG should increase Amnesty Programme’s budget, says Wilson

    FG should increase Amnesty Programme’s budget, says Wilson

    South-South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, TAG, Chief Reuben Wilson, has made a case for an upward review of the budgetary provisions for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP.

    The former Niger Delta freedom fighter, who is also the founder of Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA) made this appeal in a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him: “This appeal is premised on the fact that the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme with respect to the training and welfare of the beneficiaries has remained the same from the beginning of the programme in 2009 to date, irrespective of the current high cost of living and training of the beneficiaries.

    “The upward review of the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is long overdue and it’s greatly hindering the proper and effective execution of the objectives of the programme. There’s therefore an urgent need for an upward review of the budget, especially now that we have a sincere, competent and critical stakeholder as the Administrator of the programme.”

    He said he was “highly elated that it’s Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro that is in charge of the programme now. I know that he has the capacity to unite all the beneficiaries and critical stakeholders of the programme,owing to his level of competent leadership and experience in the Niger Delta struggle.

    “I’m therefore, appealing that Mr President should upwardly review the annual budget of the programme and bring it up to speed with the current realities to enable the new Administrator effectively reposition the programme for better results.

     “Chief (Dr) Dennis Otuaro has been part of the struggle for the survival of the Niger Delta people from the beginning and therefore, knows what to do to revitalize and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme, if given the right financial resources. He is adequately prepared and has the requisite experience and knowledge to successfully pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty office to greater heights.”

    The ex-agitator expressed the belief that the amnesty boss would successfully redeem and redirect the office to achieve its primary and fundamental objectives. 

    Read Also: Ex-president Jonathan urges new Amnesty boss to give priority to youth education, empowerment

    Otuaro, he recalled, “played a crucial role in the activities that led to the establishment of the programme and therefore,wouldn’t allow the programme to continue its derailment and bastardization under his watch.

    “There’s therefore, an urgent need for the Programme’s annual budget to be reviewed upward, to enable him execute his mandate efficiently and effectively. Making available adequate funding for the programme is a necessary support that will certainly empower the new Administrator to better discharge his responsibilities.”

    He further thanked the President for “appointing Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “Mr President has once more, eloquently demonstrated his knack for identifying and appointing talented and competent people to drive his vision for the betterment of the country.

    “I commend you wholeheartedly your Excellency, Sir, for listening to the yearnings of the true beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, by appointing a thoroughbred and well-prepared stakeholder to pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty Office.”

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Dafinone greets Muslim community

    Eid-El-Fitr: Dafinone greets Muslim community

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has extended warmest greetings and felicitations to the Muslim community on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitri.

    As Muslims around the world mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, Dafinone joined in celebrating the spirit of unity, compassion, and charity that defines this auspicious day.

    Dafinone emphasises the importance of peace, tolerance and understanding among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs.

     He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Muslim community to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of our nation and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting religious harmony and coexistence.

    He urged Muslims to continue upholding the values of love, compassion, and generosity embodied in the teachings of Islam. He encourages them to use this festive period as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal growth, and community service.

    Read Also: Dafinone calls for calm over killing of soldiers, young men in Okuama crisis

    The lawmaker reassured the Muslim community in Delta Central of his unwavering support and commitment to addressing their needs and concerns.

     He pledged to continue working tirelessly to ensure that all constituents, regardless of religious affiliation, enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and access to essential services.

    “I wish the Muslim community in Delta Central and the country at large a joyous Eid filled with blessings, happiness, and prosperity. May this auspicious occasion bring peace, harmony, and unity to our nation,” he stressed. 

  • Delta seaports’ stakeholders debunk ‘illegal N4,000 levy’ at Warri port

    Delta seaports’ stakeholders debunk ‘illegal N4,000 levy’ at Warri port

    The Delta State Seaports’ Stakeholders Association has debunked report of illegal collection of an unreceipted N4,000 levy from truck operators at the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Warri by its host communities.

    Reacting to the report headlined: ‘NPA Helpless as Warri Indigenes Kill Delta Ports with N4,000 Illegal, Un-receipted Fee Collections At Port Gates”, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Emiko Oghomienor, at a news conference in Warri, explained that the said amount was agreed upon in the last week of March 2024, by the concerned unions.

    Read Also: N’Delta group commends appointment of Otuaro as Amnesty Boss

    According to him, the agreement was between the ‘Mother Union’, where flour is offloaded inside the port (flour mill) and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Warri South Council, as well as Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

    Mr. Emiko noted that the NPA Warri host communities have no direct business with the collection of levy from truck operators, going in and out of the Warri Port.

    He added that the initial levy of N2,000 that was increased to N4,000, was spilt between NURTW, NUPENG, Warri South Council and NARTO.

    Oghomienor, who doubles as the State Treasurer of NARTO, posited: “If anybody is to object to the increment, it should be the leadership of the unions that agreed to pay the N4,000, not anybody to come and indict the host communities, making the general public to feel that Warri Port is not conducive for business.”

  • Chevron disregarding Oil, Gas Act on employment, Itsekiri graduates allege

    Chevron disregarding Oil, Gas Act on employment, Itsekiri graduates allege

    The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), has accused oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), of secretly employing about 300 people, “in flagrant disregard to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010”.

    It threatened a showdown with the company if those mobilised for the perceived vacancies are not Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje indigenes, calling on President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to wade into the matter.

    In a statement released yesterday, NAIG demanded that those purportedly engaged recently by the oil multinational be demobilised immediately, while Itsekiri are called upon to occupy at least 60 per cent of the purported vacancies.

    Read Also: NCDMB, Chevron pledge accelerated projects approvals

    The statement signed by the President and Secretary, Messrs Ben Eburajolo and Mino Esiategiwa, respectively, read: “Our attention has been drawn to the current recruitment being done by Chevron Nigeria Limited where about 300 persons have either being called for medical or mobilised to resume work at various locations nationwide.

    “It is disheartening to know that Chevron Nigeria Limited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) JV in OML 49, OML 90, OML 95, EGTL, Chevron Tank Farm, Agbami, Sonam, e.t.c conducted such a large scale recruitment, without publishing it in any national daily, on their official website or through a third party. 

    “National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) discovered from our investigation that several of these new intakes, have resumed in various locations, while others will resume this week”.

  • Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom celebrates coronation, Staff of Office Anniversary Saturday

    Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom celebrates coronation, Staff of Office Anniversary Saturday

    The Illah Kingdom, nestled in the heart of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, will mark his 6th coronation anniversary and 2nd year since the receipt of the Staff of Office by revered traditional and paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Obi Sylvester Jugai Enechaziam, the Ogbelani of Illah.

    Scheduled for Saturday, April 6, the commemorative event promises to attract dignitaries and esteemed members of the kingdom to honor the rich cultural heritage and illustrious reign of the monarch. 

    The people of Illah Kingdom have lauded the proactive leadership and commitment to peace demonstrated by Enechaziam, underscoring the tranquil coexistence enjoyed under his reign. 

    They urged the monarch to continue fostering harmony and collaboration among his subjects for the holistic advancement of the state.

    The planned celebration serves as a testament to the unity and cultural vibrancy of the Illah Kingdom, emphasizing the pivotal role of peace and cooperation in propelling development and progress within the community.

    As Illah Kingdom embarks on its journey towards a brighter future, collective efforts from all stakeholders are essential in fostering a sustainable and thriving environment for its inhabitants. Through collaborative initiatives and developmental endeavors, Illah Kingdom remains steadfast in its pursuit of becoming a beacon of progress and prosperity in the country.

    Under the enlightened leadership of the Ogbelani of Illah, Illah Kingdom has witnessed remarkable development strides from from governmental bodies and private individuals.

    Read Also: Olubadan-designate Olakulehin returns to Ibadan, set for coronation

    Some of them include: Construction of a 1.3km road from Umuiyagbo in Umuagwu to the magistrate court by the State Government; Installation of solar-powered street lights by NDDC;

    Construction and expansion of the Illah modern market to accommodate burgeoning trade activities by Oshimili North Local Government; Construction of a 2km road by NDDC from St. John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church Ogbe-Obi down to the Palace of the Ogbelani of Illah.

    Others are: Establishment of a new Illah Comprehensive Community Town Hall by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu;  Upgrade of Illah Health Centre to a cottage (Semi-General) hospital; Construction of a Jetty at Otu Umutei Market; Addition of a new DSIEC ward for Illah polling unit, bringing the total to 3 DSIEC wards for Illah and election of Frank Ngozichukwuka  Esenwa to the House of Assembly, representing Oshimili North constituency.

    In addition to these, The Ogbelani has championed various educational and youth-centric initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students and sponsorship of sports competitions, underscoring his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

  • Blake Resort CEO Akunedozi distributes 2,000 bags of rice, other food items to widows in Abuja

    Blake Resort CEO Akunedozi distributes 2,000 bags of rice, other food items to widows in Abuja

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blake Resort, Uzochukwu Akunedozi, has distributed 2000 bags of rice and other food items to over 2000 widows in Abuja.

    The gesture was part of his annual programme to celebrate his birthday with the less privileged.

    Akunedozi started the philanthropic gesture of bearing the burden of widows and alleviating the sufferings of their children in 2023 when he hosted over 200 widows and 100 of the fatherless were awarded full scholarship to mark his birthday.

    The ceremony at the Blake premises was witnessed by family and friends. It was the first time Akunedozi was publicly identifying with widows and he assured the women that he would sustain the initiative, noting that he would stand by them in situations as their son. 

    Read Also: Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    Addressing the widows whom he called his mothers, Akunedozi assured them of his support as their son at all times stressing that all he needed from them was prayers for God’s supplies and sustainance. 

    “Like I earlier told you last year that you were part of me and that I share in your burdens, I cannot celebrate my birthday without you. 

    “I have decided to celebrate my birthday with you today again. Thank you for your prayers and blessings. That’s all I wanted from you. And I will not renege in my resolve to support you in every area of your needs God’s willing,” the philanthropist added.

    Among items distributed to the widows include a bag of rice each, ground nuts oil and other consumable materials.

  • OML 40: Ogbinbiri community suspends protest against Elcrest E&P operations

    OML 40: Ogbinbiri community suspends protest against Elcrest E&P operations

    The Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Governments of Delta and Edo States respectively, has suspended its protest against the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd, operator of Abiala Field OML 40, over alleged exclusion and marginalisation in their oil exploration activities.

    On March 21st 2024, Ogbinbiri community leaders, including women and youths through a peaceful protest stopped the ongoing dredging work by Elcrest E & P Ltd to gain access to Abiala Field OML 40, over alleged refusal by the management of the company to engage them in a talk on their oil exploration activities.

    The Ogbinbiri Community leaders while addressing journalists during a peaceful protest to draw government attention to what they termed “ungodly act” of the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd operating Abiala Field OML 40, frowned at the company refusal to recognise Ogbinbiri community as a host community.

    National Chairman and President-General, Hon. Benedict Miyebi, said the community resorted to peaceful protest when all efforts to dialogue through different letters to the Managing Director, Elcrest E & P Ltd, failed to yield the desired results.

    However, following the intervention of critical stakeholders, including security agencies, representatives of Delta State government, and top management of Elcrest E&P Ltd, the protest has been suspended to give room for dialogue by the parties.

    Announcing the suspension of the protest in a statement Miyebi explained as a peaceful community, they called it off with the belief all parties will keep to their side of agreement.

    Read Also: Shettima inaugurates technical committee for iDICE

    “I want to inform the public that following a stakeholder meeting today, Wednesday, at Warri and intervention by other key stakeholder in the faceoff between Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom, and the management of Elcrest E&P Ltd, we have suspended our protest to give room for positive and productive dialogue.

    “The Ogbinbiri Community and Elcrest have reached some understanding after the disagreement that led to the protest and stoppage of Elcrest operation at Abiala Field OML 40; at a meeting held on Wednesday 3/4/24 at Warri after extensive and exhaustive deliberations resolved to suspend the protest and demobilised persons hitherto mobilised for that purpose, with immediate effect.

    “We the people of Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom are very peaceful and hospitable, and we want development to come to our place, hence we chose the path of peace, we want to also believe that management of Elcrest E&P Ltd will not renege in their promise to opening engage with the leadership of Ogbinbiri Federated Community.

    “While we await their response, I on behalf of the leadership of Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom, called on all our youths to suspend all actions and allow the management of Elcrest E&P Ltd to continue with their works while we explore the dialogue channels open by this stakeholders meeting, even as we pray that we will not be push to this path in the future,” he said.

  • Udu leaders, elders, stakeholder petition Delta PDP over purported zoning of chairmanship seat

    Udu leaders, elders, stakeholder petition Delta PDP over purported zoning of chairmanship seat

    Leaders, elders, and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Udu Local Government Area have petitioned to the party leadership in Delta, urging for intervention on purported zoning of the council chairman seat in the area. 

    The petition signed by Theresa Okotete, Hon. Eki Afuevure, Hon. Edwin Notoma, Mr. Ejiro Orugbo, Hon. Patrick Ariole, Chief Johnbull Asun, Comrade Lawson Oghoifo, Mr. Yakubu Dikeji, Hon. Saturday Mofoye and Chief Harrison Veta representing the ten wards respectively, cautioned against the purported plan to zone the next chairman of Udu Local Government Council to the South by some people they described as self-seeking. 

    They explained in the petition that Udu local government area is one and the same but the political realities of today overtly depict Udu South as over empowered and overloaded with power and positions to the detriment of the North. 

    “For clarity, PDP Local Government Area Chairman, Chairman, College of Leaders and Elders, Vice Chairman, College of Leaders and Elders, the commissioner and member of the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for DESOPADEC representing Ughelli South, Udu, Uvwie and Urhobos in Warri South, the board chairman, DBS Warri, the member of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, the member, Committee on Peace Building and Economic Development and other multiple EAs, SSAs and SAs appointments are all in the South but over at Udu North are only a Special Adviser, few EAs, SSAs and SAs.

    “The above scenario with respect to mobilization for elections, certainly constitutes and forebodes danger, foreseeable failure and doom for the party. 

    “Udu North being the political arsenal and armoury of the local government area, with  more than 90,000 registered voters compared to about 40,000 votes of the South should be adequately empowered to deliver at the polls.

    “The so-called purported zoning was done without recourse to the political realities of the party in Udu LGA whereby Udu South is presently over empowered with political positions at party and governmental levels.

    “Zoning per se, as enshrined in the PDP constitution, is usually done to balance powers and not to concentrate power in one zone, and also it comes in when elections are not at hand; zoning of elective offices during and when elections are imminent and when aspirants have commenced vigorous consultation across the length and breadth of the LGA is awry and oppressive and not congenial for political stronghold of the party.

    “Owing to the wrong timing and the bad blood already being spilt by attempting to zone some aspirants out, the party, as usual, should allow the most popular aspirant to pick the chairmanship ticket to mitigate political reprisal and vendetta in the Udu politics.

    “Zoning is a meritorious exercise and should therefore commence with the leadership of the college of leaders and elders of the Udu LGA as the present situation whereby the chairman and vice chairman of the college are both from Udu South is unfair, lopsided and oppressive.

    “We hereby pray the state leadership of the party to step in and do the needful by calling for order and maintenance of the status quo ante (without zoning) for now, in the interest of the Party.

    “We as leaders, elders and critical party stakeholders hereby restate our pledge to the party and also have confidence that the state leadership of the party will immediately wade in to redress the lopsided and politically toxic situation being contemplated and paraded at the Udu PDP LGA. The party is supreme and it’s supremacy must be upheld over and  against any personal or group interests,” parts of the petition read. 

  • ‘Meeting for zoning of Udu chairmanship seat inconclusive’

    ‘Meeting for zoning of Udu chairmanship seat inconclusive’

    The Special Adviser to Delta Governor on Government Affairs, Hon Peter Uviejitobor has clarified that the meeting held on Monday to purportedly zone the next chairmanship seat of Udu Local Government Council was inconclusive due to disagreements.

    Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Uviejitobor explained the meeting was organised by a group of individuals who want to have both elective and appointive positions allocated to Udu South.

    The former lawmaker, who represented Udu Constituency in Delta Assembly, pointed out the committee responsible for the zoning failed to assign the PDP LGA Chairmanship seat and other key positions to the zones.

    “How can they propose to zone the chairmanship seat to Udu South, which already has a serving commissioner, DESOPADEC Commissioner, PDP LGA Chairman, and other crucial positions?

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    “As a prominent leader and party member in Udu Local Government Area, the matter of zoning remains inconclusive because the South is pushing to ensure that the North receives nothing, which is detrimental to our party,” he emphasised.

  • Abiala Field OML 40: Ogbinbiri protests alleged marginalisation, exclusion

    Abiala Field OML 40: Ogbinbiri protests alleged marginalisation, exclusion

    The Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North and Ikpoba-Okha Local Governments of Delta and Edo State has urged the government of both States to call the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd operating Abiala Field OML 40, over talleged exclusion and marginalisation of their parent community in their oil exploration activities.

    They urged the government of Edo and  Delta State and the authorities of Federal Government to call the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd to order in order not to inginte another avoidable crisis in the Niger Delta Region.

    The Ogbinbiri Community leaders, while addressing journalists during a peaceful protest to what they termed “ungodly act” of the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd operating Abiala Field OML 40, whom has refused to recognise Ogbinbiri community as a host community, said the form has also refused to dialogue with community leaders on their oil exploration activities.

    Hon. Benedict Miyebi, 

    National Chairman and President-General said that the community resorted to peaceful protest when all efforts to dialogue through different letters to the Managing Director, Elcrest E & P Ltd, failed to yield the desired results.

    On March 21, 2024 in a letter addressed the Managing Director, Elcrest E & P Ltd, with references number, 

    OFC/EEPL/MD/LOS/004 signed by Hon. Benedict Miyebi, National Chairman and President-General and Opusenibo Wilfred Kari,  for the Secretary General, the community alleged the company has failed to enter talk with them, warning they can’t guarantee a peaceful environment for their operations at Abiala Field.

    The letter reads in part;

    “RECOGNISE OGBINBIRI COMMUNITY AS A HOST COMMUNITY TO YOUR COMPANY ELCREST E & PLTD OPERATING ABIALA FIELD OML 40 LTD WITHOUT WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GUARANTEE A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR OPERATION AT ABIALA FIELD.

    “We wish to refer to our letters referenced OFC/EEPL/MD/LOS/001, OFV/EEPL/MD/003 dated 29/1/2024 and 14/03/2024 respectively and hereby put on notice that without the recognition of Ogbinbiri Community as a Host Community by your company Elcrest E & P Ltd operating Abiala Field OML 40, we may not be able to guarantee a peaceful environment for your operation at Abiala Field OML 40.

    “That Ogbinbiri Exploration Location 1 (Ogbinbiri well 1) in Abiala Field OML. 40 is in Ogbinbiri land as such should recognized as a Host Community.

    That Ogbinbiri is one of the nine (9) Traditional Towns in Egbema Kingdom while Ablała and other Communities are its villages or Communities. That Ogbinbiri is the Town (Parent Community) to Ablala and other Communities

    “Therefore, if a village produces oil, the Town (the parent Community), the Kingdom, the Local Government Area, the State and the Country become oil producing entity.

    “So, if a village produces oil and becomes a Host Community, the Town (the parent Community), the Kingdom, Local Government Area, the State and the Country become Host to the company; hence the oil it produces becomes part of the total production of Local Government, State and the Country at large.

    “We, therefore, State here that Ogbinbiri Community is a Host Community to Elcrest E & P Ltd and should be recognized as such. 

    “That your operation of the Ogbinbiri Exploration Location 1 (Ogbinbiri well 1) in Abiala Field OML 40 vis-a-vis the ongoing Dredging of the Access Routes to the Ogbinbiri Location 1 (Ogbinbiri well 1) in Ablala Field OML. 40, as well as the acquisition of Dump Site(s) in Ogbinbiri land without due consultation and agreement with Ogbinbiri Community is likely to cause crisis.

    “That all frantic efforts made by Ahalji Emmanuel Omoko to resolve this issue of the recognition of Ogbinbirn Community as a Host Community to your company Elcrest E & P Ltd prove abortive. From us we say, kudos to him.

    Read Also: Five Delta communities flooded

    “In view of the above, we wish to State here that we may not be able to guarantee a peaceful Environment for your operation at Abiala Filed OML 40.”

    On March 19, 2024 in another letter to the The Managing Director, Elcrest E & P Ltd, which was copied to The AIG, Nigeria Police Force, Zone 5, Benin City, Edo State; the Brigade Commander, Nigeria Army, 4 Brigade, Benin City, Edo State; the State Director, Directorate of State Service, Benin City, Edo State; the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Army, 90 Amphibious Battalion, Koko, Delta State was also ignored by the company.

    Efforts to reach the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd prove abortive. Calls to their official mobiles  were yet to be picked as of the time of filing this report