The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Akwa Ibom councils get Dec 6 deadline to present budgets

    Akwa Ibom councils get Dec 6 deadline to present budgets

    Akwa Ibom State Government has urged the 31 local governments to work towards the passage of their 2024 budget on or before December 6, 2023.

    The Chairman of the Bilateral Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, gave the directive on behalf of the state government during the plenary session to discuss and scrutinise local government budget for 2024 fiscal year, held yesterday in Uyo.

    The commissioner, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ini Ikie, advised council chairmen to double efforts for timely conclusion of all budget cycles, to facilitate implementation for the good of the people.

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    The Director General, Akwa Ibom Fiscal Responsibility Board, Mr Victor Edet, enjoined councils whose capital components were lower than their recurrent components, to reflect on their projections by restructuring their capital estimates.

    The local government councils of Ibesikpo-Asutan, Essien Udim, Obot Akara,Ukanafun, Ini, Itu, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo took turns to defend their budgets and were represented by the heads of service, directors of finance and directors of Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics (BPRS).

  • Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt highway ready next month, says Otti

    Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt highway ready next month, says Otti

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has assured the citizens that the Aba axis of Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, which has been in a deplorable condition over the years, will be ready for use next month.

    The Nation had reported that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a working visit to the state, sympathised with road users on the anguish they suffered on the road and assured them that the other remaining part of the road project would be completed with a cement pavement technology, to ensure longevity of the road.

    Our correspondent reports that due to the deplorable nature of the road in recent time, commuters and visitors who spend over three hours coming from Port Harcourt to Aba, now use Etche route to access the commercial town for a journey that would have taken less than an hour through the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway.

    It was gathered that commercial motorcycle operators were enjoying brisk patronage.

    Read Also: Abia govt alleges plot to blackmail Otti

    Governor Otti, addressing residents yesterday after an inspection of the Obehe axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, conveyed the Works minister’s assurances that there was a presidential directive to make the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway accessible to motorists before the Yuletide

    He said: “The reason I am here today is to see the progress of work that has been done by the CCECC.

    “Last week, I was with the Minister of Works, and he assured me that they have the instruction of the President to ensure that this road is available to us,  motorists, on or before the Yuletide  and I have come to see things for myself.

    “Abia State Government is collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure that that this road, which has been underutilised for a very long time, is completed as quickly as possible.”

    The governor, who also addressed enthusiastic Aba residents and those doing business along Asa Nnentu Spare Parts Market, Alaoji in Ugwunagbo Local Government, assured them that the road would be ready for use this Yuletide.

  • Obaseki should have discussed successor choice with me, says deputy governor

    Obaseki should have discussed successor choice with me, says deputy governor

    Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has said Governor Godwin Obaseki should have discussed his choice of a successor with him, accusing his principal of “intimidation” and “harassment”.

    Shaibu made this known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme yesterday.

    He insisted that despite his not-so-smooth association with his principal, it is his constitutional right to contest the number one office in the state.

    Read Also: Diri, Obaseki, Okowa, Fubara, others grace Oborevwori’s mother-in-law’s burial

    The deputy governor said” “He (Obaseki) said I am the type of deputy governor any governor will wish to have. So, what has changed? What has changed simply is that I want to be the governor of Edo State.

    “Possibly, maybe he (Obaseki) wants somebody else. In a situation like that, what you do is not intimidation, it is not harassment; you call a family together, you call all of us (aspirants) together and give us reasons why you feel certain things should be. Tell us what you want. You don’t intimidate, you don’t harass.”

  • Shaibu’s 2024 governorship aspiration gets NANS backing

    Shaibu’s 2024 governorship aspiration gets NANS backing

    The 2024 governorship aspiration of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday received a boost from students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    The students, who were led by past and serving leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), including executive members of many departments, converged on Shaibu’s campaign office in Benin to pledge their support for his governorship aspiration.

    The speakers included Comrade Gilbert Success, aka UNIBEN Oracle; Comrade Gerald Nnamdi and Comrade Happiness Ugheghele. They pledged their support for Edo deputy governor’s aspiration.

    They described Shaibu, a former National President of NANS, as one of their own.

    The students’ leaders noted that Edo deputy governor was a worthy ambassador of young people in Nigeria, disclosing that they would have gone to court to compel Shaibu to join the governorship race, if he had not declared on Monday in Benin.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: UNIBEN students drum support for Shaibu’s governorship ambition

    They said: “We are here in our numbers as representatives of great Nigerian students from UNIBEN, to pledge our total support for your governorship ambition.

    “We are convinced that you are one hundred per cent homeboy the Edo people are looking forward to, and there is no doubt whatsoever that with your antecedents, you have the pedigree and capacity to deliver, and take Edo State to the next level.

    “As one of our own, and a vibrant and articulate youth for that matter, we will mobilise and support you to ensure that you become the next governor of our dear Edo State.”

    Shaibu stated that by his exposure and experience as a youth, he was  prepared and equipped to be Edo governor from November 12, 2024.

  • We’re lighting up Niger Delta with solar-powered streetlights, says NDDC boss

    We’re lighting up Niger Delta with solar-powered streetlights, says NDDC boss

    The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said the commission is undertaking an ambitious project of lighting up Niger Delta communities with solar-powered streetlights.

    He said more regional and legacy projects would be executed by the current board of the NDDC.

    Ogbuku spoke during a visit by members of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    “We will undertake more legacy and regional projects. We have embarked on an elaborate project to light up Niger Delta with solar-powered street lights, as part of the measures to reduce criminality in our communities,” he said.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the commission was working in line with the policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which emphasised stakeholders’ engagements in the development process.

    He said it was important to involve stakeholders in driving the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

    Said he: “We all face the same challenges in the region, this means we must work together to address the challenges, regardless of our ethnic background. Challenges such as underdevelopment and ecological problems confront all of us.”

    Ogbuku said the history of the Niger Delta struggle would not be complete without indexing the contributions of the Ogoni people.

    “Your contributions cannot be forgotten. More importantly, we are going to support all ethnic nationalities because we are working for all ‘Niger Deltans’.

    “In the quest for development of the region, NDDC alone cannot achieve it without the support and partnership of stakeholders in both public and private sectors,” he said.

    Ogbuku said the commission would organise a stakeholder’s summit early next year to review its activities in the past 23 years and give groups in the region the opportunity to be part of the development process.

    He urged the MOSOP delegation to support the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region, advising them to avoid denigrating the commission.

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    Ogbuku enjoined the Ogoni to promote peace, as development could only take place in a peaceful and safe environment.

    He said: “I, therefore, urge you to support the policies of President Tinubu’s administration. Let us ensure that there is peace in our communities.”

    Ogbuku told the visiting delegation that the newly inaugurated NDDC Governing Board was committed to accelerating the development of the Niger Delta.

    The MOSOP President and leader of the delegation, Chief Prince Biira, appealed to the NDDC to extend more development projects to Ogoniland, to enhance the living conditions of the people, who had suffered many years on account of oil pollution and negligence.

    He reminded Ogbuku that the NDDC was a product of the struggle of the Ogoni people and other agitated ‘Niger Deltans’.

    “The essence of this engagement is to exchange ideas on the development challenges of our people. Your pedigree rekindles our hope for a new dawn,” he said.

    The MOSOP President described Ogbuku as “a visionary administrator with a mission to bring transformational development in communities across the Niger Delta.”

    Biira said things were beginning to change in the way NDDC was tackling the developmental challenges in the Niger Delta.

    He said: “We commend the NDDC for initiating a fresh era in the region. We urge you to sustain this laudable effort. We agree that NDDC has projects in Ogoni land, but a lot more needs to be done.

    “For instance, we need assistance in upgrading and furnishing primary schools in our communities.”

  • Tantita Security faults Bayelsa council boss over military invasion claims

    Tantita Security faults Bayelsa council boss over military invasion claims

    • Restates commitment to end illegal oil bunkering

    Bayelsa State Operations of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) has described as unfounded and unthinkable, allegations in a recent publication by the Caretaker Council Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, and a video circulating on the social media alleging invasion of Igbomotoru community by TSSL, using the military.

    The firm, owned by a former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, regretted that the recent publication from the caretaker chairman and an orchestrated video making the rounds of a supposed protest carried out by mischievous elements to bring its operations into disrepute, leaves a sour taste to be desired.

    Recall that Igbomotoru community in the Bomo Clan of SILGA on Sunday protested the alleged invasion of the riverine community by military personnel and gunboats.

    The community chiefs, women and youths, in several videos posted online, claimed that the invasion was allegedly at the instance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the November 11 election in the state, Chief Joshua Maciver.

    But in a statement yesterday by the Coordinator, TSSL, Bayelsa State Operations, Maciver, he said what the scriptwriters of the purported protest failed to understand was that the organisation, as a private security company, did not possess the authority to order Federal Government forces but rather provided credible intelligence to guide federal forces in combating the menace of illegal bunkering and ‘kpofire’ activities.

    Maciver urged indigenes of Igbomotoru community to go about their lawful duties, saying the military personnel were on ground to safeguard federal assets and by extension lives and property in the area.

    He added that TSSL remained steadfast in its commitment to eradicating illegal bunkering activities across Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta.

    Maciver said: “It is crucial to emphasise that the deployment of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in our operations is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens conducting lawful businesses.

    “Additionally, the placement of gunboats extends beyond Igbomotoru community, encompassing strategic routes used by illicit crude oil bunkerers in areas such as Azuzuama, Tebidaba-Okoron, Lasukugbene, Lagosgbene and other communities.

    Read Also: 2024 budget: Katsina govt allocates 20% to water, education sectors – Commissioner

    “While we refrain from directly accusing individuals or groups involved in illicit activities, it is noteworthy that the expressed discomfort by CTC Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in the media raises questions. It prompts speculation on whether he is aware of potential clandestine activities within the Igbomotoru axis, suggesting that the presence of security forces may unveil illicit crude oil syndicates and mercenaries, contrary to the Federal Government’s stance on crude oil theft.

    “Moreover, during the launch operation of Igbomotoru camp of Tantita Security operations, which took place on October 14, 2022 and was attended by the state Coordinator, Great Joshua MacIver, along with the incumbent Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in company with security agencies, including the Nigerian Army with gunboats, the entourage was welcomed to a warm reception by the community members.

    “The CTC chairman during that visit enjoined the community leadership to work with the surveillance company and security agencies and its apparatuses in place, noting that their presence in the town was not to take away their means of livelihood, but to better the lot of all and sundry in the course of their operations.

    “To this date, Tantita Security along with the military and NSCDC have carried on with their responsibilities without any report of violence, harassment, or intimidation of any kind from 2022 up until this moment.

    “We wish to state categorically that the call by the caretaker chairman of SILGA is unnecessary and not born out of goodwill, as it overlooks the collaborative efforts required to address security breaches common within riverine communities and environmental degradation associated with illegal bunkering activities.”

    “As a responsible private security company, we anticipate the cooperation of local government authorities and Bayelsa State government in fostering a secure environment for residents.”

  • Oborevwori kicks-off N78b star projects

    Oborevwori kicks-off N78b star projects

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said his administration would continue to upgrade roads across the three senatorial districts.

    He spoke yesterday in Effurun during the groundbreaking ceremony of the

    N77.9 billion road and flyover projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

    The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, ex-governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, federal and state lawmakers and other top government functionaries, reiterated his administration’s commitment to upgrade roads across the state.

    He noted that road was a critical infrastructure driving the development of other sectors of the economy.

    The four projects were awarded to the construction giant in Uvwie and Warri South local governments.

    “The projects are as follows: the design and construction of flyover from Enerhen junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South councils.

    “The design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of DSC/NPA expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway.

    The project includes construction of a three-quarter Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover as well as two pedestrian bridges in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government.

    The design and construction of flyover at PTI junction, on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government.

    Oborevwori said the cumulative contract sum for the four projects was over N77.99 billion, adding that the contractor had a completion period of 27 months.

    “I stand here today filled with joy and excitement as we begin the process of giving Warri the desired facelift with this groundbreaking ceremony.

    “This signals the commencement of construction of four key projects in Warri/Effurun metropolis.

    “It is the fulfilment of a promise I made after my inauguration as governor on May 29, this year. We have released the agreed sum as advance payment to the contractor.

    “These four strategic projects are aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun roundabout, through PTI road junction, to DSC roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway at Effurun.

    “They will also ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen junction, Effurun to Marine gate, Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South local governments,” he said.

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    The governor added that the projects would not only change the face of Warri/Effurun metropolis, but also ease tragic congestion and by implication, alleviate the suffering experienced daily by commuters.

    He said because of the strategic nature of the roads in the region, construction works would result in traffic disruptions, diversions and other inconveniences to motorists and commuters.

    Oborevwori, however, said government and the contractor would take steps to minimise the disruptions.

    He appealed to motorists and pedestrians to be patient, orderly and obey traffic rules and regulations, to facilitate ease of movement and reduce travel time through the construction area.

    The governor advised

    motorists to use the alternative routes in the vicinity whenever feasible, to reduce the volume of traffic in the construction area.

    “The state government has begun a programme of maintenance and rehabilitation of these alternative routes to reduce inconvenience for travellers and motorists.

    “I urge the contractor to work relentlessly to meet the schedule we have agreed on,” he said.

    Oborevwori, however, urged the

    immediate communities and their leaders to appreciate the enormous investment government was making and solicited for their support to ensure the speedy completion of the projects.

    The Managing Director of Julius Berger PLC, Dr. Lars Richter, said the project would be delivered within the stipulated period of 27 months

    Also, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the projects and promised to ensure their protection from the time of commencement to completion.

    “Our youths need to be engaged. We will make sure the project is completed without any disturbances,” the king said.

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, promised to ensure that the projects came to fruition.

    Represented by Dr Rowland Oritsejafor, the royal father said the projects were unique because they would unite the people.

    In attendance were former governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, royal fathers and chiefs, among others.

  • Ogoni youths decry inadequate compensation, poor payments by HYPREP contractors

    Ogoni youths decry inadequate compensation, poor payments by HYPREP contractors

    Rivers State youths under the auspices of Ogoni Youths Federation (OYF), have accused the contractors engaged by Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in the ongoing Ogoni clean-up, of underpaying their workers and inadequate compensation to land and crop owners.

    OYF in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday by its Spokesman, Emmanuel Goteh Bie and Secretary-General, Mesua Ntormabari, said its members recently protested at the headquarters of HYPREP in Port Harcourt to register their grievances.

    They claimed that the contractors engaged by HYPREP to carry out 100-bed space at Kpite in Tai Local Government of Rivers State failed to pay workers and give compensation to crop and land owners.

    They said the workers engaged by HYPREP contractors at the ongoing centre of excellence at Wiyakara community in Khana Local Government were underpaid.

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    They said: “Ogoni Youth Federation takes responsibility for the protest carried out recently for the reasons of underpayment of workers at the ongoing centre of excellence at Wiyakara community in Khana Local Government by contractors; inadequate compensation to land/crop owners at Kpite in Tai Local Government by the contractor handling the 100-bed space hospital and lack of adherence to corporate social responsibility and local content components by contractors handling HYPREP jobs in Ogoniland.

    “We have been advised by Ogoni elders and critical stakeholders to suspend further civil actions and explore alternative means of dispute resolution to achieve the above items stated.

    “Ogoni Youth Federation hereby calls off further protest as a means of resolving the above impasse.

    That Ogoni Youth Federation distances itself from any contractual transaction with one of the contractors.”

  • Stakeholders seek stiffer penalties for gas flaring

    Stakeholders seek stiffer penalties for gas flaring

    Niger Delta stakeholders have advocated stiffer sanctions against oil companies engaging in gas flaring and an enforcement of existing policies on gas flaring in the region.

    They urged host communities and individuals affected by oil exploration to become conversant with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to press for their rights.

    The stakeholders spoke at a one-day roundtable discussion organised by ActionAid, a civil rights group, on the negative impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

    The event, held in Asaba, Delta State capital, was attended by representatives from the National Assembly, host communities, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media.

    Participants called on oil companies to foster good operational relationship open to stakeholders, while appealing for proper clean-up of the areas affected by the effect of the oil spillages in the Niger Delta.

    Besides mapping out ways for the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, the stakeholders urged multi-national oil companies on the necessity to have a carbon gas desk.

    They enjoined relevant authorities, including the House Committee on Climate Change and Committee of Niger Delta Affairs to establish a desk office with the host communities for ease of complaints.

    Participants advised that the Nigerian government should be given conditions on accessing the global funds for environmental issues, while rejigging existing policies on climate and environmental change.

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    According to the communiqué, the importance of strong synergy in the fight for climate and environmental justice in the Niger Delta area cannot be overemphasised.

    It called for regular conversation among key stakeholders affected by oil exploration in Niger Delta communities.

    It accused western banks of funding the activities of multi-national oil companies, thus intensifying the environmental degradation in the region.

    The communique pointed out that community leaders have been compromised due to poverty, resulting from the divide and rule strategy used by international oil companies.

    It blamed the Federal Government for a lack of political will in implementing relevant laws in the oil industry, adding that this has been an impediment in the fight against abnormalities associated with oil explorations in the Niger Delta.

  • Ex-Cross River governor Ayade loses sister

    Ex-Cross River governor Ayade loses sister

    Former Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade has confirmed the death of his sister, Mrs. Ateb Janet Oniga.

    A notification of death signed by the former governor, on behalf of the Ayade family of Kakum in Obudu Local Government, said: “With deep sense of sorrow, I announce the passing unto glory of Mrs. Ateb Janet Oniga (nee Ayade), aged 54.

    She died on November 24, 2023 after a brief illness. Until her transition, Janet was a God-fearing woman, a devout Christian, a loving mother to her children, and a caring sister to her siblings.

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    “She was exceptionally kind, vivacious and engaging. The family and all those who knew her will sorely miss her.

    “While the family accepts this irreparable loss as the will of God, it requests prayers as it grapples with the loss.

    “Burial arrangements will be communicated by her family.”