Category: Niger Delta

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has warned hired blackmailers and hack writers to leave him alone, following an alleged orchestrated campaign of calumny targeted at him in the last one week.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State had alleged Umana worked against the party’s victory in the last elections.

A statement on Tuesday by Iboro Otongaran, SA Media to Umana Okon Umana warns blackmailers to desist from such act, stating that “if the smear campaign is about a ministerial appointment, those behind it should know that it is entirely the prerogative of the President and commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to appoint whoever he wants to work with.”

The statement reads: “My position is that blackmailers, those who fabricate stories and those who peddle false stories to malign me because they want ministerial appointment, should leave me alone,” the former Minister said. “They ought to know that the appointment of ministers is the sole prerogative of the President.”

It should be noted that when a group under the name of Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance issued a false flag write-up last week upon which all the subsequent vitriolic publications have derived their justification, Umana saw through their ill-intent and issued a prompt disclaimer. Umana stands by the letters and spirit of that disclaimer which is reproduced below: 

“RE: PETITION TO SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION OVER MINISTERIAL SLOT FOR AKWA IBOM STATE”

“The attention of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has been drawn to a letter purported to be issued by Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance and addressed to the Secretary to Government of the Federation, His Excellency George Akume. In the said letter, a copy of which the group claimed has been sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a strenuous effort is made to create the impression that the group is fighting for the political interest of Ibibio in Akwa Ibom State and Mr Umana as an individual in respect of who should be appointed Minister from the State into the present administration.

“We want to make it crystal clear that Mr Umana has nothing to do with this letter, and that the group is not acting at the behest of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Contrary to the impression that the letter and those behind it want to create, Mr Umana is not an ethnic champion. In all the roles he has had the privilege to play at the state and national levels Umana has always acted in the national interest, prioritising competence, fairness and equity above other considerations. And over the years, Umana has demonstrated his loyalty to the APC and has been unstinting in his efforts to build and defend the unity of the party at both the state and national levels.

“Umana is neither aware nor is he part of any factional fight within the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

“We totally disavow any insinuation of Mr Umana’s involvement in or support for any crisis in the APC in Akwa Ibom State.”

• By, Othuke Emmanuel

Last week’s judgment by Judge David Tomlinson of the Southwark Crown Court, which ordered former Delta State Governor James Ibori to pay the sum of 101.5m pounds immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence, is meant to achieve one sole aim: cause a frenzy in the polity. However, the news soon faded out and failed to achieve the purpose for which it was intended.

While many ignorant Nigerians, some who were not yet born when Ibori became governor in 1999 took to social media to hail the judgment and pour invectives on the man who has lived all his life defending the interests of the Niger Delta on the issue of resource control, other discerning Nigerians saw through the façade in the ruling.

A cursory look at the order clearly shows Judge Tomlinson’s ulterior motive. He ruled that Ibori should pay the sum of 101.5m pounds “immediately” or be jailed for 8 years. While many undiscerning minds are focused on the amount ordered by the judge, supporters of Ibori including some civil society organisations who have no association with him have kicked against the ruling, saying the judge’s aim is to return Ibori to prison for a second term.

What a ridiculous judgment! How did Judge Tomlinson and the prosecutors arrive at that sum? For someone who completed his tenure as governor over 16 years ago and has not held any public office since then till now, where Ibori will get 101.5m pounds to pay the fine? Even if they sell all his confiscated assets, will it amount to the sum he is asked to pay? The fine is nothing but ludicrous cum preposterous.

Of course, it has been proven times without number that Ibori has been a wealthy man even before his emergence as Delta state governor in 1999. In a recent interview, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, the state secretary (later chairman) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state when Ibori became governor in 1999 said “ We came together and said Ibori, you have to run for governor because he was the richest among us. He has more contacts. He was rich and he also has the reach. And so, we knew that none of us can stand the force. So, we all agreed here in Ibuzo here. All of us the young men, we said as far as we are concerned, he is going to be the governor. He brought his money. I am not an ingrate. Some people will be talking negatively about Ibori today because of ingratitude. None of us had money to go for election. He (Ibori) was the only man who has money, real money to go for the election. 99 percent of the money we spent was from Ibori.  I speak as the State Secretary of the party. Even the contacts we used and the electronic systems and all the equipment we used were in my cahmbers. All of them were done by Ibori”.

This statement clearly punctured the claims of the UK government and other naysayers who claimed Ibori acquired his wealth by stealing the resources of Delta state as governor from 1999 to 2007.

According to Ibori in a statement issued shortly after the ruling by Judge Tomlinson, “Since 2005 the British Prosecutors have investigated my assets worldwide, they have had a restraint order in place on most of those assets and they are well aware that the total monetary value of those assets is nowhere close to the sums that were the subject of today’s Order. Notwithstanding the fact that many of the assets are not and have never been owned by me – it seems that if you are my friend and you allowed me to spend some holiday time in your house, then by this order I now own your home and must ask you to sell it to satisfy the Order”.

It is not surprising therefore that Ibori likened the ruling to estimated billing by NEPA, a situation where electricity companies give out outrageous guess bills to their customers even when electricity is not supplied to them and they expected them to pay

After serving his term in prison, Ibori was due to be released on 20 December but instead, he was illegally held in immigration detention . Rather than release him, the Home Office made wanted him to be kept in prison for a longer period. It also made an application that Ibori should be electronically tagged and subjected to strict cur­few conditions. However, the ap­plication was rejected by Justice Juliet May who described the Home Sec­retary’s attempts to detain Ibori as “quite extraordinary. While condemning the actions of the Home Office and ordering Ibori to be immediately freed from prison, Mrs. Justice May said: “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”

Upon his release, Ibori sued for damages for false imprisonment and breach of his rights and demanded 4,000 pounds in compensation. The judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the home secretary had been “wrong throughout her dealings with Mr Ibori over the weeks leading to his release” and that he had been unlawfully detained. She then awarded a nominal damages of 1 pound against the Home Office. Ibori was vindicated. Rather than offering a profuse apiology for violating his rights, Judge Tomlinson is talking of another possible 8-year jail term. The question rational minds should ask is ‘why were they hell-bent on keeping him in prison after he has officially served his terms’? Why are they talking of another possible 8-year jail term now? Can you jail a man twice for the same offence? That amounts to double jeopardy!

Consequent upon his release in 2016, Ibori has insisted that he was unfairly treated. In the current case, he has vowed to seek redress in higher courts in UK. That rights must be respected. Therefore, the issue of immediate payment or jail term cannot arise. The Supreme Court, not Judge Tomlinson will be the final arbiter in this case.

The people of Niger Delta are watching the latest development with keen interests. They see Ibori as a genuine leader who has genuine love for his people and will protect their interests, no matter whose ox is gored. When the agents of the federal government attempted to arrest him in 2010, the people vehemently resisted it. In 2017 upon his return from the UK, a tumultuous crowd rolled out the drums to celebrate his return home. His return saw to the cessation of militancy activities in the Niger Delta region.

Read Also: Ibori breaks silence on UK court order confiscating £101.5m

From 1999, Ibori has been vocal in his quest for resource control and development in the Niger Delta. During the 2005 National Dialogue, he listed core demands of the Niger Deltans which include increased autonomy for the federating units, resource ownership and control local control of police and security and equitable representations at the national level. It was the struggle from leaders like Ibori on equitable representation that  made it possible for a Goodluck Jonathan from Bayelsa state in the South-South region to emerge as Nigeria’s vice president and later, president.

In August 2019, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ghana Branch described him “as a role model and champion of the resource control struggle which has given the Niger Delta improved allocations from the 13 percent derivation fund”.

The Niger Deltans will not watch and allow one of their respected son and leader to be persecuted and taken away from them again. Therefore, after due consultation, they have given Ibori the backing to appeal the obnoxious judgment by Judge Tomlinson. That was why, in conclusion of his statement,  he boldly said “I know one thing for sure, that if I do not go to the Court of Appeal to contest this outrageous Order then my people will definitely say that I am a madman!”.

Emmanuel, a human rights activist and public affairs analyst writes from Abuja

• By, John Mayaki

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment as the Chairman of ECOWAS has sparked optimism and high expectations for the future of West Africa and the continent as a whole. Renowned for his visionary leadership and bold strategies, President Tinubu is poised to effect transformative change across Africa.

Even before assuming his new role, President Tinubu had crafted an ambitious agenda, known as the Renewed Hope action plan, aimed at propelling Africa forward. This comprehensive plan encompasses vital foreign policy initiatives designed to foster unity and development throughout the region. Let’s delve into some of the key policies.

President Tinubu envisions establishing a strategic alliance among major African nations to collectively address critical continental and global challenges. This united front will empower Africa to influence key issues and shape its own destiny. He also plans to lead Africa in seeking reforms within international financial institutions and the World Trade Organisation to prioritize African industrialization and secure equitable trade deals for the continent’s benefit.

Through active diplomacy, President Tinubu aims to bring an end to conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within the West African sub-region. By fostering peaceful resolutions, he seeks to create an environment conducive to progress and prosperity. Additionally, President Tinubu envisions enhancing internal sub-regional trade within ECOWAS, facilitating joint industrialization efforts, and promoting collaborative infrastructural projects. These initiatives will unlock the economic potential of the region and amplify West Africa’s collective voice.

Recognizing the vital role of security in fostering development, President Tinubu aims to enhance regional cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism. His focus is on deterring terrorist movements and preventing non-African terrorist organizations from infiltrating West Africa, ensuring stability and prosperity for the region. Moreover, President Tinubu is committed to rallying Africa in a united effort to eradicate malaria, a longstanding obstacle to health, economic development, and productivity. By working together, the continent can conquer this pervasive challenge and create healthier, more prosperous societies.

President Tinubu emphasizes the immense potential of West Africa in agriculture and gas sectors. By harnessing these resources and fostering unity among nations, he aims to unlock the region’s true capabilities. With his impressive track record as the former governor of Lagos, President Tinubu’s appointment fills West Africa with anticipation for a promising future. His visionary leadership and proven ability to execute plans bode well for the continent’s progress.

President Tinubu’s transformative agenda, with a projected success rate of 70%, has the potential to rewrite Africa’s narrative. As West Africa embraces this new chapter, the continent stands on the precipice of meaningful and lasting change.

President Tinubu enjoys significant support and enthusiasm across West Africa for several reasons. First, his extensive experience in Nigerian politics, including his tenure as governor of Lagos State, has demonstrated his leadership capabilities. He has a track record of implementing progressive policies and driving development, earning him respect and support from the public.

Second, President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy resonates with many people. His emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance aligns with the aspirations of citizens who seek accountable and transparent leadership.

Read Also: NIDCOM lauds Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman

Third, President Tinubu’s ambitious agenda, as outlined in his Renewed Hope action plan, demonstrates his vision for transforming West Africa and the continent as a whole. His focus on economic integration, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation has struck a chord with those who aspire for progress and prosperity in the region.

Fourth, President Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS signifies Nigeria’s continued influence and active engagement in regional affairs. His commitment to fostering regional unity, cooperation, and collective decision-making resonates with citizens who believe in the strength of collaboration for the betterment of West Africa.

Lastly, President Tinubu’s emphasis on security and conflict resolution is highly valued in a region that has faced numerous challenges. His determination to combat terrorism, promote stability, and strengthen regional security frameworks has garnered support from those seeking peace and safety in West Africa.

President Tinubu’s support stems from his proven leadership abilities, commitment to democratic principles, visionary agenda, and focus on regional unity and development. As he assumes his role as the Chairman of ECOWAS, many people are optimistic about the positive impact he can make in shaping a brighter future for West Africa and the continent as a whole.

Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has emphasised his duty is to serve the people of Delta Central and touch as many lives as possible in the district without minding political or religious affiliations.

He also urged All Progressives Congress(APC) faithful and Deltans to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for a new Delta, noting that in no distant time, the APC Governorship Candidate Senator Ovie Omo-Agege would be declared Governor.

The Delta Central lawmaker stated this while speaking at his election victory/inauguration thanksgiving held at Praise Baptist Church in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State.

He said: “I belong to the Urhobo people, it does not matter if you vote for me or not whether you are in party A or B, it’s irrelevant. My assignment is to serve the good people of Delta Central. I promise my people that I will be accessible, my door is always open for everybody.

“My assignment is not an easy one, my late father Senator David Dafinone, made a trail through which I am now following, he threads the party not just in Okpe, Urhobo and Delta State but the whole of Nigeria. As I take up the assignment, I take all the responsibility that goes with it, to deliver the dividends of democracy to the great people of Delta Central, I have the objective to touch as many lives of the people Delta Central, to change as many lives as possible.”

Dafinone further said the outstanding performance of Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President made his campaign easier “because of what he (Senator Ovie Omo-Agege) did all over Delta Central and beyond. We could point at a meaningful project at every ward we visited. The number of senators that could achieve what he did in the last 24 years would not be more than five,” he said.

While offering thanksgiving to God during the service, Senator Dafinone said he was dedicating the victory to God, the hardworking members of the political campaign team and the esteemed leaders of the APC for their tireless efforts during campaign periods, adding that the teams were undeterred by challenges.

Ministering at the Thanksgiving service which took place at Praise Baptist Church New Ogorode Road Sapele, Delta State, Rev Iweh Godspower took his sermon from 1st Corinthians 15 verse 9-10 and titled his message “I am who I am by his Grace.”

Rev Iweh begged the congregation to always acknowledge the grace of God in their lives, stressing the need for believers to embrace humility in their day-to-day affairs.

“This is the conclusion of the whole matter fear God.”

“If you wish to express gratitude to God, you must recognise His grace. Humbling oneself is one of the ways to respond to grace.”

While outlining some of the challenges Dafinone might face, he advised him to carry the eight local governments along.

“We have 24 clans in the eight local governments in Delta Central and you must carry everyone along, I know it’s not easy but with the grace of God you can,” he said.

Read Also: Rotary club installs new District Governor in Delta

The thanksgiving was graced by Royal Fathers from across the Senatorial district, party leaders and supporters from the eight local government areas and beyond.

Some notable party leaders at the event were Delta South Senator Joel Thomas-Onowakpo, Stella Erhuvwu Okotete as the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, Minority Leader DTHA, Rt Hon Emakpor Edafe, Hon Spencer Obokpare Ohwofa, Esq, Hon Blessing Achoja, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Esq, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, Hon Chief Ejaife Odebala, Chief Tuesday Onoge, and Chief Joshua Asah.

Prominent royal fathers include: HRM Maj General Felix Mujakperhuo CFR MNI Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Okiemute Onajita 111 Ovie of Ogor Kingdom, HRM Oghenekevwe Kumane Eruvwedede 111 Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso Abi1 JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Oharisi 111 Wilson Ojakovo JP, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Obukowho Monday Whiskey, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle JP, Okorefe 1, Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, HRM M.E Egbi JP, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Sunny Odogwu Okpurhie JP, Uduaka 1, Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom, HRM Ugugu JP, the Osuivie of Agbarha kingdom, HRM Solomon Ukukavwen JP, the Ovie of Aravwarien Kingdom and many other dignitaries too numerous to mention.

A former Delta Commissioner of Finance Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has extolled President Bola Tinubu for taking the bold initiative to fast track the re-booting of the nation’s economy by reducing the tax burden on Nigerians and businesses through the signing of four Executive Orders deferring and suspending the commencement of certain taxes paid by individuals and companies.

The Executive Orders are the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order 2023, which deferred the commencement date of the changes contained in the Act from May 23, 2023 to September 1, 2023 to ensure adherence to the 90 days minimum advance notice for tax changes as contained in the 2017 National Tax Policy.

The second order is the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order 2023, which shifted the commencement date of the tax changes from March 27, 2023 to August 1, 2023, also in line with the National Tax Policy while the Third Order suspends the five per cent Excise Tax on telecommunication services as well as Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products. The Fourth Order suspends the newly introduced Green Tax by way of Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics, including plastic containers and bottles. It also includes the suspension of Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles

In a statement welcoming the bold step taken by the Tinubu administration to entrench a robust, transformative reform in fiscal policy and effective taxation system for the smooth functioning of the economy, the prominent APC leader in Delta State lauded the immediate establishment of the Committee on Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele to not only advise the government on necessary tax reforms, but also drive its implementation. This, he noted, will ensure the achievement of the desired tax law reforms, harmonization of taxes and revenue administration, all of which will boost investor confidence.

According to Olorogun Okumagba, with an efficient fiscal policy regime, effective taxation system driven by tax law reforms and harmonisation of taxes, amongst other measures, government will be well on track to improve our tax-to GDP-ratio, which is ranked one of the lowest in the world, and accounts for why the nation is heavily dependent on borrowing, even borrowing to service debts

Drumming support for Tinubu’s agenda, the former Delta Commissioner of Finance drew the attention of Nigerians to the numerous benefits of deferring and suspending the commencement of certain taxes paid by individuals and companies in the country.

According to him, it will ensure that Nigerian businesses are relieved of undue burden by unfavourable policies because the lack of adequate notice and clarity on the implementation of the changes has before now resulted in significant challenges for affected businesses, including rising costs, falling margins and capacity underutilization.

Other benefits for the economy derivable from the new executive orders on tax deferment and suspension, according to the former Delta State Commissioner of Finance include the need to make revenue levels more progressive and sustainable, reduce the nation’s dependence on natural resource revenues and foreign “handouts”, elevate the role of taxation in state-building and create a greater understanding of its impacts on sustainable growth.

Olorogun Okumagba commended the Tinubu government for committing to frontally tackle the key challenges in the nation’s tax system which include multiple taxes and revenue collection agencies, fragmented and complex tax system, low tax morale, high prevalence of tax evasion, high cost of revenue administration, lack of coordination between fiscal and economic policies, and poor accountability in the utilization of tax revenue.

Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu names Oyedele chairman Tax Reform Committee

He urged the Committee on Tax reforms to expeditiously drive its primary objective to enhance revenue collection efficiency, ensure transparent reporting, and promote the effective utilization of tax and other revenues to boost citizens’ tax morale, foster a healthy tax culture, and drive voluntary compliance.

The former Commissioner requested Nigerians to rally behind the Tinubu administration in its avowed commitment to not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also to create a more conducive and competitive business environment as part of its commitment to institutionalise transformative reforms in fiscal policy and taxation.