Category: South East

The Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director (CEO/MD) of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Onne, Rivers State, Sen.Tijjani Kaura, has promised to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the bad state of Eleme/Onne/Ogoni axis of East/West road.

Kaura, the newly-appointed CEO/MD of OGFZA, spoke at Notore Chemicals Onne, while on a familiarisation tour of facilities and offices under the agency in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

Notore Managing Director (MD) Femi Solebo, addressing Kaura earlier, listed the challenges affecting their operations at the OGFZA to include poor state of the entire stretch of Eleme/Onne road, up to trailer park, which leads to OGFZA.

Notore General Manager (Operations), David Ighodalo, represented Solebo while receiving Kaura.

The OGFZA boss said the road, the only access road to the free zone, was impassable.

He promised to appeal to the Federal Government for intervention and rehabilitation, in order to help government’s businesses at OGFZA.

Kaura said OGFZA would collaborate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure the road was fixed soon.

During the visit, the MD inspected ongoing building projects at the free zone.

He also toured offices, other facilities and met heads of the Customs, Immigration, Fire Service, Police and the DSS.

He interacted with departmental heads, unit heads and the workers.

Kaura met youths from the host community, who visited him.

Leaders of ethnic nationalities living in Enugu State have hailed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for ensuring peaceful inauguration of the Sarkin Hausawa of Enugu State.

The new Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Haruna Suleiman, was appointed and installed by Council of Arewa Chiefs in Enugu State, following the death of the former Sarkin Hausawa.

Despite attempts by vested interests to stop the event, it was held.

Two leaders of Hausa community, Dr. Muhammed Khalid Abdulla and Ibrahim Samaila, praised Governor Ugwuanyi for ensuring a hitch free occasion.

Samaila said: “Our happiness is the peaceful manner the event was held. I attribute it to the peaceful disposition of Governor Ugwuanyi.”

The President General of Intercommunity Forum of Enugu State, Lawal Omotowo and Head of Yoruba community, Chief Johnson Adeyeolu, advised the Sarkin Hausawa not to deviate from the standard set by his predecessor, who championed peace in Enugu State.

Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on governments to recruit teachers for primary and secondary schools, to replace retired ones.

The National President, Titus Amba, made the call in Calabar when he came for the inauguration of the NUT MPCS Transport Scheme at the NUT secretariat.

He hailed NUT Cross River State chapter for acquiring new Toyota Hiace buses for the welfare of members, noting that trade union ”is not all about asking what the government will do for you, but it’s for adding value to yourself as a union.”

Amba praised the Federal Government for implementing and keeping to its promises as concerning primary and secondary school teachers.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has hailed a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Youth Rescue International Development Organisation (YRIDO), for transforming the lives of cultists and drug addicts in the Niger Delta.

PAP’s Interim Administrator Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), in Port Harcourt at the 2022 graduation of repentant cultists, who passed through YRIDO’s programme, appealed to the government and other institutions in the region to support the initiative.

Dikio, represented by his Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Mr. Wilfred Musa, congratulated the repentant cultists for choosing a new path of life and described the efforts of the NGO, founded by an ex-agitator-turned- pastor, Nature Keigha, as contributing to the peace in the region.

He said: “We in the Presidential Amnesty Programme are proud of YRIDO. It is hoped that governments in the Niger Delta will key in and support the programme.

“These are people who have real stories to tell about life. They have been on a difficult journey. They understand what darkness is and have now seen light. It is a total transformation for them. We are happy they made the decision to exit darkness and embrace light. We pray God will use them as influencers and agents of positive change.

“But I must add that it is not over yet. People will laugh at you but don’t hate them. Show them that you have truly changed from your old ways. Flee from your past completely. Hope and always pray. You paid the price to be here and you will definitely succeed.

“We look forward to this programme becoming bigger, an international event with a global calendar. A programme that will be held at stadiums with massive attendance.

“We call on governments, corporate organisations and other entities to be part of this. We urge all institutions that have a stake in the Niger Delta to work with you, support, encourage you and give you the resources you need. Like I said earlier, for us in the PAP, we have decided to identify with this programme.”

YRIDO Executive Director Keigha said his fulfilment is seeing youths turn away from terrible, unprofitable lifestyles and embrace a new and righteous way of life.

He urged parents not to give up on their loved ones, saying there was always a possibility for every bad person to change.

Some of the graduates narrated their journey into cultism, drug addiction and different forms of criminality, which almost ruined their lives until they came in contact with  YRIDO.

They advised those still involved in crime to have a change of heart.

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Ltd has discharged five barrels of crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline into Bodo community in Gokana Local Government of Rivers State.

A Joint Investigation (JIV) report signed by the host community, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Rivers State Ministry of Environment and SPDC disclosed the development.

The JIV report said the Shell’s TNP discharged 98 water and two per cent crude into Bodo following the ongoing flushing of the TNP, with residual crude oil of about five barrels.

Spokesman for SPDC Mr. Michael Adande said the impact of the spill within and outside the SPDC JV right of way was minimal, since the TNP had not transported crude oil since mid-June 2022.

He said the report of the JIV would soon be available on the SPDC oil spills site.

Adande said: “The spill from the Bomu-Bonny section of the SPDC JV’s Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Bodo on August 3 was largely water (98 per cent) from the ongoing flushing of the TNP, with residual crude oil of about five barrels as established by the signed report of the Joint Investigation Visit led by regulators, and involving representatives of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the community.

“Owing to the high level of theft, the SPDC has not processed crude oil through the TNP since mid-June 2022.

”Cleanup of the impacted area and repair work on the pipeline are under way.”

The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom, Senator Bassey Akpan, has cried out over plot by suspected state government agents to link him to civil unrest.

Akpan, in a petition signed by his spokesperson, Dr. Usoro Usoro and made available yesterday to our correspondent in Uyo, alleged that the plot was to cause civil disturbance through arrests of persons not in support of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s succession agenda.

He said government agents planned to blame him for the anticipated unrest and get him arrested, hence his petition to security agencies.

The petition was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Police Commissioner, Director General of the Department of State Security, Abuja and Director, Department of State Security, Uyo.

But the government yesterday dismissed the allegation as untrue, describing it as the ”cry of a drowning horse”.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation Mr. Essien Ndueso said Governor Emmanuel was a peace-loving leader, who would not instigate violence or order for the arrest of indigenes because of politics.

Delta State Government yesterday proposed N459.2 billion indicative budget for next year.

Economic Planning Commissioner Dr Barry Gbe said in Asaba that the proposed estimate was based on the micro-economic framework set by the Federal Government for the 2023 fiscal year.

He said the estimate was subject to approval by the State Executive Council before it could be forwarded to the House of Assembly.

He said: “The budget circle starts with going to the Executive Council with what we call a global figure or indicative figure. If it is approved, we then return to the ministries and do a revaluation. Inflation, exchange rate, GDP and economic happenings around the world are discussed and the budget is returned to the State Executive Council for approval and then taken to the State Assembly.”

Gbe said no new project will be embarked on unless it is specially approved by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, adding that the 2023 budget would focus on the completion of ongoing projects and debt servicing.

He said “For capital projects, we will not take any new projects, but will try to complete existing ones. Only things we can finance and that fall within the policy trust of the administration will  be done”.

He said the government might submit a supplementary budget to the State Assembly to capture over N150 billion projected as extra cost for projects already awarded under the 2022 budget.

He said: “Due to inflation and exchange rates, prices of things have gone up and the contractors are requesting for upward review of contracts. Such request will be rolled over to the 2023 budget or we may go for a supplementary budget. Although I cannot give you an exact figure because we are still receiving memos from contractors, we are projecting N150 billion for project reviews.”

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has berated some elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the state, saying they have relocated to Abuja to plot against him.

He said his detractors were angry that they failed to clinch the governorship ticket of the party for the 2023 election.

The governor recalled how some of them visited him during his birthday in 2021, urged him to contest the presidential ticket and indicated interests to vie for the governorship ticket of the party.

But he said having failed in their ambitions, they ran to Abuja to join forces against him.

Wike spoke yesterday during the 74th birthday reception organised to honour the former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili, at the private residence built and donated to him by the state government at Old Government Residential Area, Port Harcourt.

Wike said those elders came to him on their own accord and showed a commitment that they would stay to support him and his decisions.

He described Odili as a true leader of men who groomed many, and supported a lot of persons to political limelight, particularly in Rivers State and across the country.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke also hailed Odili for being a role model and comporting himself well after leaving office.

Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), expressed profound gratitude, saying they were overwhelmed by the accolades and birthday gifts.

Members of Ositadinma Development Union (ODU) at Enugwu Nanka village in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State have raised the alarm over alleged fraudulent activities of a parallel association, Enugwu Nanka Village Development Union.

The group alleged harassment, intimidation and unlawful detention of its Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ezeobi, by a rival body, who accused him of embezzlement and diversion of funds.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Onitsha, counsel for the union, Nkem Olisa, said the parallel body, sponsored by an Enugu-based industrialist, had instigated crisis in the peace-loving community with the intention to be in charge by hook or crook.

He said the union had petitioned Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba Alkali, calling for prosecution of the industrialist and his accomplices, who also paraded themselves as trustees of the union, to prevent the public from being duped.

members were protected from being stained in any fraudulent activity committed by the rival group.

He said: “We appeal to the Secretary General of the CAC to retrieve the certificate fraudulently obtained by these fraudsters.

“They have their own registered union, which the ODU has no issue with. But impersonating the ODU and forging its documents is wrong because their intentions may be to use it to solicit funds in the name of the union.

“We will want the police to investigate the petition on false information about the chairman, which led to his unlawful seven days detention and sue the culprits.”

The ODU Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ezeobi, described the industrialist as a terror to the association leadership, warning against threat to his life and that of his family.

He said: “He’s always frustrating leadership activities. Most of my predecessors experienced such frustrations at the end of their tenure, some at the middle. But mine started less than three months of resumption of office.

“My house was twice invaded by over 25 unidentified armed gang members, sponsored by the same person and his cohorts. As God may have it, I was not around when they came. They ransacked everywhere, broke the rooms, including those of my brothers.

“They shot and took my wife. Around 5:30pm, I was informed that my wife was at the police station. I went there to pick her. My life isn’t safe, especially in this era of gunmen and kidnappers.

“We want to call the attention of the IG to his activities, expedite action on investigations and bring to book whoever that is indicted, so peace can reign in my community.

“Further delay can lead to chaos, as youths are threatening riot. We need IG intervention to avert crisis and more damages and restore calm to the area.”

The police in Akwa Ibom State have explained why they arrested a popular newspaper distributor, Mr Chidi Ngadiubia, last Friday.

Police spokesman Odiko MacDon said the distributor was held following a petition.

He didn’t state the cause of the arrest, but absolved the police of witch-hunt, saying the matter was still being investigated.

“I think there was a petition, and we are investigating the petition to know who is involved, directly or indirectly. Investigation is still on, but it is not targeted at witch-hunting anybody,” Odiko said.

Ngadiubia was whisked away by policemen about 3:10 pm last Friday from his distribution point at Asutan Street, on the alleged order of the state government.

It was learnt that the police arrested him in place of Mr. Ifreke Nsewo, a state-based newspaper publisher.

The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Amos Etuk, has intervened and secured his release from police custody.

Narrating what transpired, Ngadiubia said: “What happened was that Nsewo contacted me on the phone last Friday that he had directed somebody, who wanted to place an advert in his paper, to me. He said I should collect the advert and keep for him.

“So when the person, a girl, contacted me later on the phone, I described my office to her. When she arrived, I asked her what she wanted to do. She told me that she wanted to place an advert in The Mail, and that she had discussed with Nsewo (publisher), but he didn’t tell her the amount.

“Then I told her to let me bring a copy of The Mail newspaper for her to see what it looked like. As I was showing her the advert rates, I saw some policemen arrive. They asked me to enter their vehicle. I asked them what I did; they just told me to enter the vehicle. That when I reached their station I would know what I did.

“When we got to the police station at Ikot Akpan Abia, they asked me to write a statement, and I asked them what did they want me to write?  Since I didn’t know why they brought me there. They said Nsewo told them to come and meet me as one of his co-workers. I told them that I only distribute national and local newspapers.

“When I told them I don’t write stories, that my work is to sell newspapers, they said yes they know that I am a distributor, but that Nsewo gave them my phone number. Then they gave me a phone to call Nsewo and confirm. They didn’t even open up or say exactly what story Nsewo published that made them to be looking for him.

“So, I called Nsewo and told him that the girl he directed to me had brought the N15,000 advert. That he should come and collect it. Nsewo replied that he would come to collect it tomorrow, which is today (Saturday). I asked him what time? But he replied that if he could not come himself, he would send his boy to come and collect it, and I said okay.

“I cut the call and then told them (policemen) that he said he would come and collect the advert on Saturday. That they should allow me to go, but they refused. They said until I bring Nsewo, I will not go anywhere.

“It was the NUJ Chairman, Etuk, who intervened. He sent the secretary this evening to ensure I was released. It is not more than 30 minutes ago that I was released. That was what happened. As we speak, I am still on my way to my home.”