The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Rivers crises: Impose visa ban on Gov Fubara, Judges, US, UK urged

    Rivers crises: Impose visa ban on Gov Fubara, Judges, US, UK urged

    The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has called on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member States to impose a visa ban on Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Judges fuelling the Rivers crisis. 

    The NDC made this call during a briefing in Abuja, where it expressed alarm over the alleged erosion of democratic principles and constitutional governance under Governor Fubara.

    In his address, convener Okwa Dan said Governor Fubara has made efforts to weaken the people’s will and erode the rule of law, including influencing elections and pressuring the judiciary to support his agenda.

    The NDC condemned Judges who allegedly delivered verdicts that align with political interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

    The group described the Judges have eroded public confidence in the judiciary.

    The NDC urged the international community to hold Governor Fubara and his associates accountable for their actions, which they believe undermine  democratic future and destabilise the entire country.

    “We call on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member states to impose a visa ban on Governor Fubara, Oko-Jumbo, and other associates,” the NDC said.

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    “We also call on the international community to hold these individuals responsible for their actions and to support democratic governance in Nigeria.”

    The NDC commended the lawful halt of federal revenue to Rivers State as an essential step in holding Governor Fubara accountable. 

    It also praised judges like Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Chief Judge John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu, who have set themselves apart from manipulations.

    The group called for international solidarity and urged civil society organisations, the media and all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in the fight for democracy.

    “This is a call to save democracy from the hands of devourers, and unpatriotic individuals. This is a fight for a just cause; where the law must never be undermined, intimidated, abused, or subdued by any political individual or faction for any reason.

    “Additionally, we urge the judiciary to uphold its sacred duty as the custodian of justice. Judges must resist political interference and prioritize the rule of law above all else. The survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a judiciary that is impartial, independent, and committed to justice.

    “In conclusion, Rivers State stands at a critical juncture. The actions of Governor Fubara and his allies have placed the state’s democratic future in jeopardy. However, with collective action and international support in placing a visa ban on them, we can restore constitutional order and ensure that the voices of the people are heard,” he said. 

  • Reps member Jimbo bags community service award

    Reps member Jimbo bags community service award

    Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning & Economic Development, Clement Jimbo, has been honoured with a community service award in appreciation of  legislative representation and contribution to the development of Nigeria by the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja.

    The community service award of excellence was bestowed on the Federal lawmaker during the 2024 Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta by Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja at Akwa Ibom House, Central Business District. 

    Presenting the award to Jimbo, on behalf of the A’Ibom Community, Abuja, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, lauded the sterling performance of the lawmaker at the National Assembly. 

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    Ukpong said Jimbo, has made the All Progressives Congress (APC) proud by always making positive contributions and impacts in the floor of the House and urged him to keep the fire burning. 

    Receiving the award, the member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency appreciated  the community for finding him worthy of the honour and pledged to create more impacts in the National Assembly to make life meaningful to Nigerians and Akwa Ibom people. 

    Jimbo, further lauded Abak Federal Constituency for supporting and voting him to represent them at the Green Chamber and dedicated the award to them.

  • Your criticisms of Tinubu’s foreign loan baseless, Arewa group knocks Atiku

    Your criticisms of Tinubu’s foreign loan baseless, Arewa group knocks Atiku

    The Arewa Professionals for Democracy and Development (APDD) has cautioned former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his recent criticisms on the loan request by President Bola Tinubu.

    The National Assembly approved a $2.2 billion foreign loan request from President Tinubu. This development was greeted with many reactions from Nigerians.

    One of the critiques of the foreign loan request is the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who raised concerns that the loan would be embezzled by the government.

    In quick reaction to the former Vice president, the APDD said Atiku’s criticism of the borrowing’s approval mirrors the fitful twitching of an expired creature in its final throes.

    The group in a statement by its President, Engr. Moses Odaudu, said Atiku’s criticism of the loan ignores key aspects of economic management and development. 

    The group said it is important to scrutinise government actions, it is equally important to consider the broader context and potential benefits of these loans. 

    “He blatantly trivialised the strategic intent behind the loans by asserting that they are “bone-crushing” and bring “insufferable pressure” on the economy whereas when properly managed and invested in critical infrastructure and development projects, the loans can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve public services. 

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    “We believe what Atiku did was to project his value on the incumbent government with the implication that he concluded the loans would be embezzled because that is what would have happened if he were the president.

    “This is even as President Tinubu has assured that his government will ensure transparency and accountability in using these funds, which should have been Atiku’s focus instead of the infantile tantrums he threw in the public opinion space. 

    “This is why we ask the former vice president to differentiate between constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and baseless accusations that can undermine public trust in Nigeria,” the group said. 

    Odaudu further noted they noticed that Atiku’s criticism overlooked the complexities of international finance and the strategic decisions involved in securing favourable terms of borrowing, which caused him to dwell on the comparison of exchange rates while suggesting that the loans are poorly negotiated. 

    He said only such mischief made him deny the administration’s efforts to boost revenue collection through reforms in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Customs as part of a broader strategy to enhance fiscal stability. 

    “In his desperate drive for public validation, it is tragic that Atiku unashamedly references something that should be forgotten by saying the administration of President Obasanjo, under which he was vice president, took the country out of foreign indebtedness, without telling Nigerians the truth. 

    “We challenge Atiku to deny that he was not a beneficiary of the commission on the loan repayment shared by Obasanjo’s economic team, which the former vice president once falsely claimed to have headed. 

    “We conclude by urging Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to accept that the trauma of serial loss at the polls and his advanced age imply that he no longer possesses the mental acuity he had for analysing national issues a couple of decades ago. 

    “Atiku must thus admit to himself that it is time to quit politics and refrain from intervening in national issues so that he does not allow his diminished capacity to lead some Nigerians astray,” the group added.

  • CSO, Tinubu’s Support Group score Navy high on war against oil theft

    CSO, Tinubu’s Support Group score Navy high on war against oil theft

    A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) and the Centre for Action Against Corruption (CAAC), has condemned allegations by Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, that the Navy is complicit in oil theft in the Niger Delta. 

    The group described Tompolo’s allegations as unsubstantiated, baseless, frivolous and lacking in merit.

    At a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the group praised Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), for his achievements in the fight against oil bunkering and theft. 

    Under his leadership, Abdullahi Bilal and Olayemi Isaacs said the Nigerian Navy has achieved significant milestones, including destruction of illegal refining sites, arrest of sea pirates, reduction in maritime crimes, and over 21,630 hours of patrol resulting in numerous arrests and seizures.

    The coalition emphasised that CNS Ogalla’s leadership has justified his appointment by President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope mandate. 

    They urged the CNS to remain focused and resilient in his fight against oil theft, noting that success is imminent.

    The statement explained: “t is our collective responsibilities to fight against those forces and interest which tries to undermine our very collective existence and interest, and ensure we annihilate them. This is why we are here today. 

    “This, to us is an apt opportunity to take the bull by the horns and conscientise the public on the evil intentions of Tompolo and the sensitive nature of his allegation, as it tries to undermine the Nigerian navy and also reduce the morale of the fighting gallant men in the field. 

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    “We must also warn of the chaos, destruction and up surge in criminalities if such misinformation and mischief continuous unchecked and unmitigated.

    Our interest is basically the national interest. 

    “We believe that lifting up this curtain of secrecy and mischief will move the nation forward, encourage the Armed Forces and indeed the security forces all over the nation, as the sacrifice to secure us.

    “We therefore call on all lovers of peace and workers with God to join us to condemn this orchestrated onslaught against those men who have decided to haphazard their lives so that we can live in peace and quiet.

    “We call on the CNS to remain focused, unfazed and resilient in his dogged fight as success is just around the corner, and to discountenance the allegation as those that are with you are more than those against you. “

  • Floods of tributes as Olu of Warri, wife mark 10th wedding anniversary

    Floods of tributes as Olu of Warri, wife mark 10th wedding anniversary

    Many indigenes of Warri kingdom, at the weekend joined the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, to celebrate their 10th year of marriage anniversary.

    Garbed in gorgeous attires, the Itsekiri first family had blown minds away with delectable family photos on social media, some of which were accompanied by a heartfelt message by Olori Atuwatse III to her husband, the king.

    In her message on Instagram, the queen recalled their early beginnings, expressing gratitude to God for the family they have made, with hope for the next 50 years plus in bliss.

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    Their teeming subjects and friends, who expressed delight over the joyous occasion, joined friends and well-wishers to congratulate them.

    In their message, Collins Edema, Chief Executive Officer of Rucotech Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, wished the celebrators more “love” and “laughter.”

    On behalf of the management and staff, in a statement late Friday, Edema said: “On this special day, we celebrate our benefactor, father, revered monarch- His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR and our Olori Atuwatse III on their 10th wedding anniversary. Congratulations on another year of love and laughter. May your love story keep inspiring us all.”

    The couple had a grand wedding ceremony in Benin City, Edo state in 2014. Their union is blessed with three children, two boys and a girl.

  • Oil firm donates over 1,000 sanitary pads, books to school girls in A’Ibom

    Oil firm donates over 1,000 sanitary pads, books to school girls in A’Ibom

    An indigenous oil firm, Oriental Energy Resources LTD, has donated sanitary pads, books and other items to over 1,000 girls in two public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state.

    Girls from Southern Annang Comprehensive Secondary school, Orukanam and Community Secondary School, Afia Nsit Urua Nko, Nsit Ibom local government areas benefityed.

    The gesture by the OERL, which was carried out during the company’s girl child health education outreach programme for secondary schools in the state, is in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

    Managing Director of OERL, Mr. Mustafa Indimi, said that the firm priorities the welfare and education of the girl child in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3.

    Indimi represented by the company’s Director Community Relations, Dr. Uwem Ite, said that OERL believes in investing in the girl child.

    He said: “This is our modest way of marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated around the world on Friday,11th October 2025 with the theme, “Girls Vision for the Future. 

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    “Against this background, Oriental Energy believes that investing in girls is not only the right thing to do for them but it brings positive impacts particularly to their families, communities and society in general.

    “At Oriental Energy, our philosophy is to create positive sustainable footprints through projects and programmes that improve on the quality of life of people in various communities, including the community of students in this school”.

    Other items presented by the firm included Akwa Ibom state government branded textbooks hand washing items etc.

  • Dafinone hails Chief T. J. Okpoko at 92

    Dafinone hails Chief T. J. Okpoko at 92

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has eulogised high-Chief T. J Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, on his 92nd birthday anniversary.

    Dafinone, in a birthday message, said that Chief Okpoko, a distinguished legal icon, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)  and revered High Chief of Okpe Kingdom, has made indelible contributions to the legal profession, leadership, and community development.

    He said: “His steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law has earned him widespread admiration across the nation.

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    “It is with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude that I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my warmest congratulations to our father, High-Chief T. J. Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, on the remarkable occasion of your 92nd birthday. 

    “As you mark this glorious milestone, I join the entire Urhobo Nation, Okpe Kingdom, the legal community, and well-wishers in celebrating your life of service, integrity, and excellence. Your exemplary leadership continues to inspire generations, and your legacy would remain a beacon of hope. On behalf of the Dafinone family, the good people of Delta Central, I wish, Pa. Chief T. J. Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, many more years of good health, happiness, and fulfillment. Happy 92nd birthday, Sir!”

  • PAP: Gbaramatu Chief Oluba hail Otuaro’s performance, positive plans

    PAP: Gbaramatu Chief Oluba hail Otuaro’s performance, positive plans

    The Chairman of Akpata-Gbegbe, an oil producing community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Timi Oluba, has applauded the performance recorded within a short period in office by Chief Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme PAP.

    Oluba, in a statement on Monday in Warri, Delta State, noted that Otuaro has shown that he is capable and competent to manage the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “Commendably, Chief Dennis Otuaro had repeatedly engaged and meet with Niger Delta stakeholders and ex-militants who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. He has secured their cooperation and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

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    “Otuaro has engaged the Niger Delta women, and also consulting Traditional rulers in the region, seeking their support for Tinubu’s govt, and while also intimating them of his positive plans for the region,” he said.

    Oluba, an Ijaw Activist, thanked President Tinubu for the appointment of Otuaro as Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme, adding that Tinubu’s decision was right and commendable.

    The Gbaramatu Chief further warned mischief makers to desist from spreading false allegations against Otuaro, urging Otuaro to remain focused to his assignment.

    He expressed optimism that the Presidential Amnesty Programme will be transformed and repositioned to achieve the purpose for which the programme was established by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

  • Otuaro seeks partnership of NCTC to sustain Niger Delta peace 

    Otuaro seeks partnership of NCTC to sustain Niger Delta peace 

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has sought the collaboration  of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to sustain the peace and security initiatives of PAP for Niger Delta stability. 

    Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, in Abuja at the weekend, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said the partnership of the centre would help deepen the programme’s ongoing peace and security process in the region.

    Otuaro, in a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Igoniko Oduma, said his administration would be delighted to collaborate with the NCTC, which is also under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to make the region safer.

    He noted that a peaceful Niger Delta would guarantee increase in Nigeria’s oil output and improve the economic wellbeing of the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Otuaro said: “We want to work with you. This visit is aimed at seeking support and partnership with the NCTC under the ONSA structure to make the Niger Delta a very safe place, and to continue to see that oil production increases for the benefit of the country.

    “We must make sure that there is sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta. We are also determined to use the opportunities available for the PAP Office to ensure that vulnerable Niger Deltans and impacted communities are touched positively.

    “We will continue to play our role to support the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration and Nigeria to safeguard the future of the country.”

    The PAP boss lauded the NCTC for the effective tackling of security issues, stressing that the centre had recorded significant successes.

    Earlier, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that the centre was working tirelessly for the peace and security of the nation.

    Laka thanked the PAP administrator for the visit and his desire for the centre to partner with the programme for the peace, security and stability of the Niger Delta region.

  • Defence Minister tours illegal refining site, vows to eradicate economic sabotage in N’Delta

    Defence Minister tours illegal refining site, vows to eradicate economic sabotage in N’Delta

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Aubakar has joined troops and officers of the Nigerian Army to tour one of the illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

    Shortly after the tour, Abubakar, who was shocked at the high level of environmental devastation and economic sabotage of the illegal activities, pledged that the Federal Government would put an end to oil bunkering in the region.

    Abubakar, who confessed that it was the first time he would visit such a site,  described it as a menace that must be eradicated.

    He spoke when he visited an illegal crude oil refining site in the creeks of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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    He appreciated the challenges faced by the military in dismantling illegal refineries located in harsh terrains.

    The minister’s visit was following the renewed efforts by the Nigerian Army to combat all forms of economic sabotage and  illegal oil bunkering.

    While commending the military personnel for their efforts, Aubakar said: “I have visited here for the first time to see the nature of the illegal refineries and what constitute the challenges in trying to dismantle them across the Niger Delta.

    “I have seen how our gallant officers are working very hard despite the tough terrain to get to those illegal refineries and dismantle them.”

    The defence minister disclosed that the site he visited was the 67th to be dismantled by Battalion 103, with other formations also making significant progress.

    He said: “From what I learnt, this is number 67th in this Battalion 103 and  the other formations are doing their best also. So it is a continuous process and they have assured me that they will end these illegal refineries’ operation in no distant future.

    “I have seen the challenge and what they are facing and I thank them most sincerely for the job.”

    Abubakar emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ending illegal oil bunkering, urging Niger Delta communities to collaborate with the army in intelligence gathering.

    He said: “They are to continue to give us Intelligence that will help us stop this, it is very very important for us to come back to producing 2.3million to 2.5million barrels a day, for the economic development and prosperity of this nation.