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Tag: Bayelsa State

  • Breaking: Notorious armed robbers, cultists escape police custody in Bayelsa

    Breaking: Notorious armed robbers, cultists escape police custody in Bayelsa

    Unascertained number of notorious armed robbers and cultists have escaped from the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS ) of the Nigerian Police in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The police were said to be combing all the nooks and crannies of the state capital to rearrest the suspected daredevil criminals.

    While some said the fleeing number was 10, security sources said the police were still trying to determine the figure.

    But one of them, it was gathered, had been rearrested by the police.

    Details soon.

  • Police arraign Jonathan’s nephew for shooting man at festival

    Police arraign Jonathan’s nephew for shooting man at festival

    The police in Bayelsa State have dragged Mr. Oguanisi Akpufu, a nephew to former President Goodluck Jonathan, to the Magistrate’s court at Kolo in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    Akpufu was arraigned for allegedly shooting and injuring a 42-year-old man, Mr. Yusuf Bala, during the Odumimom (masquerade) festival at Otuoke, Jonathan’s hometown, on October 28, 2017.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the development, said the police filed criminal charges against Akpufu on November 3.

    Butswat, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the suspect would be charged to a High Court for another undisclosed offence.

    Butswat said: ”On October 28, 2017, at about 1500hrs, while celebrating the Odumimom festival at Otuoke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, one Oguanisi Akpufu, male, 45 years old, accidentally shot one Yusuf Bala, male, 42, in the left leg.

    ”The victim (Bala) is undergoing medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. The suspect has been arraigned in Magistrate’s Court, Kolo, on 3 November, 2017, and he will be subsequently charged to High Court for another offence.”

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Asuquo Amba, while confirming the incident on Wednesday during a parade of some criminals, said the suspect, who was arrested by policemen attached to Kolo Police Division, was moved to the Serious Crimes Unit of the state’s police command in Yenagoa, the state capital.

  • How Oloibiri got its groove back

    How Oloibiri got its groove back

    The first Nigerian commercial oil well in Oloibiri, a community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, was once likened to a proverbial old and feeble woman abandoned by her ungrateful children.

    During her illustrious period, she was a rallying point for her children. In her kitchen, they ate to their full. They sucked her protruding breasts for nutrients passing it along from one mouth to another. She was indeed, a source and foundation of life, joy and prosperity for the children. Suddenly, at her old age, she was deserted, abandoned and despised by those persons she clothed, sheltered and fed.

    So, was Oloibiri Oil Well 1. Tucked into development-deficient Otuabagi community, the oil well gave Nigeria a global appeal. It was the reason the country gained her oil-producing status in 1956 when the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) found crude oil in commercial quantity there and erected the Christmas Tree.

    But like the proverbial woman, the oil well was abandoned after it was sucked dry by the government. Like a thoroughly-sucked sachet water, the well was thrown away. The Christmas tree was overtaken by shrubs, weeds and vegetation. Oloibiri, the host community of the oil well 1, was left to lick its wounds.

    The Nigerian Army has, however, changed the narrative. The army remembered Oloibbiri recently. Thanks to the Operation Crocodile Smile II. As part of the civil-military relations built into the exercise, officers and troops of the army renovated the site of the Christmas tree and gave it its pride of place as a tourist haven.

    The 16th Brigade of the army with headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, worked on the site. The surroundings was landscaped, designed with interlocking stones and carved with caves to create beautiful sight.

    The Christmas tree is now covered with an attractive roof. In fact, the environment, which was hitherto an eyesore, has been transformed into a centre of attraction. Oloibiri Oil Well 1 has become a real monument, deserving of tourism.

    Indeed, residents of Oloibiri community were excited over the development. Thy poured encomiums on the army for remembering them. They never knew that the Operation Crocodile Smile II could have permanent positive effect on their community.

    The army opened the oil well to tourists the day it rounded off its military operation. It was a day the Oloibiri would not forget in a hurry. For the first time after many years, convoy of exotic cars drove to their community. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd) and traditional rulers were among the dignitaries that found their way to Oloibiri.

    The elated Commander, 16th Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, in his welcome address  said the army brought its civil-military exercise to Oloibiri to highlight the significance of the oil well. He said the army took permission from the Ministry of Tourism before renovating and cleaning the site.

    He said: “What we are doing today, therefore, is just to add a bit of tourist value to this iconic monument. We have come to savour the beautiful environment that we have found ourselves.

    “We believe that whatever we are doing here today would have sufficiently agitated the minds of the tourism enthusiasts across the country to come to this place, explore the unique potential of this place and make it a place for global recognition”.

    Buratai in is remarks, described the gesture as one of the advantages of a military operation. He said the operation Crocodile Smile II was launched to be conducted across the Niger Delta and Southwest from October 7 to 28.

    The Army chief, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh. He highlighted the easing for military operations across the country.

    He said:  “The Nigerian Army in consonance with the vision of the current chief of army staff to have a professionally responsive Nigerian army in the discharge of its constitutional roles continue to conduct operations and training exercises in order to position itself to be able to respond professionally to the threats that we have across the country.

    “As we know the threats are so many, kidnapping, cultism and militancy. Here in the Niger Delta we have other ones like illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and the rest. So Nigerian army continues to conduct this operation.

    “Already we have had operations  in the Northwest; we have had the popular Operation Egwueke, Python Dance and then operation crocodile smile II.

    “As I said all these operation are conducted to position the Nigerian army to be able to combat the threats that face our nation so that we can have a conducive environment for business activities to take place and for law-abiding citizens to go about their duties without hindrances”.

    Buratai explained that during such operations, the army tried to have closer relationships with the people. He said the army usually identified with the people through medical and education outreaches as well as environmental sanitation arrangements.

    He said: “The 16 Brigade decided to rehabilitate the Oloibiri Oil Well 1 as part of their civic activities so that it can be positioned to regain its status as a tourist attraction which it is.

    “I want to ask the Commander 16 Brigade to continue to dominate this place in terms of patrol, security so that the bad boys and criminals can be kept away from here and this place can further be developed to assume its status as a foremost iconic tourist attraction in the nation”.

    On his part, the deputy governor, a retired naval officer, said military operations and civic obligations formed part of his lectures at the military staff college. He expressed delight that the theories were being translated into practical realities.

    He, however, lamented that people were misinterpreting the roles of he military. He insisted that the military had not been given adequate attention it deserved and called on the people to support their army. Jonah called on the Ogbia council authority to preserve the oil well and upgrade it periodically.

    Giving a brief history of the oil well, the representative of the Tourism Ministry, Mr. Solomon Diepriye, said: “Oloibiri oil well is sitting here in otuabagi community in ogbia local government of Bayelsa state. It is called oloibiri oil well because as at the time in 1956, otuabagi was under the oloibiri district hence the name oloibiri oil well1.

    “The history of oloibiri oil well cannot be complete without a brief history of Shell. Shell as we know it today SPDC was then called Shell De Archy and they were given the first license to explore oil in Nigeria on the 4th November1938.

    “There had been other companies searching for oil in Nigeria but the

  • Police arrest 66 teenagers in hideouts, 16 suspected robbers, cultist

    Police arrest 66 teenagers in hideouts, 16 suspected robbers, cultist

    The Bayelsa State Police Command has raided criminal hideouts and arrested 66 teenagers and 16 suspected armed robbers, five kidnappers and cult members in Bayelsa State.

    Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the state police command in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Tuesday, the police also displayed assorted arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects.

    The arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects were four locally-made revolver pistols, two pump actions guns, one 7.62mm live ammunition, 20 .9mm live ammunition and 30 rounds of AAA cartridges.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Amba Asuquo, said the 66 teenagers, who were between 14 to 17 were nabbed with weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.

    He said the minors consisting of 36 males and 30 females were arrested when the State Anti-Robbery Squad raided a community in Ekeki area of Yenagoa metropolis.

    He, however, said the teenagers would not be charged but would be counselled in the presence of their parents, warned and discharged.

    The police boss said on September 28, one Yoko Nathan, 31, and others at large, came from Azegbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area to Yenagoa to buy three AK47 rifles but were trailed by detectives.

    He said Nathan was arrested on Tombia Road, Yenagoa while trying to exchange money for the guns, while others fled.

    He said the suspect confessed that the guns were meant for kidnapping, sea robbery and armed robbery.

    Asuquo said: ”On October 4, 2017, about 7pm, policemen on patrol intercepted a tricyle with three occupants, armed with a locally-made revolver pistol with five rounds of live ammunition on Melford Okilo Road.

    ”On sighting the police team, the hoodlums fled. They were chased by the police and one of them was arrested, other gang members were traced to Tana Suite on Custom Road, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

    ”The suspects were searched and one locally made revolver pistol with five rounds of .9mm live amunition was recovered from one of the suspects, James Oweifa, 21. The other suspect is Peter Enang, 22. Investigation is ongoing.”

    Asuquo said on October 5, one Godbless Miller, 28, Agala Lawrence, 26 and Longlife Edwin, 23, all of Opolo-Epie community were rounded up in connection with cult activities at a hideout in Opolo

    He said one of th suspects, Miller, admitted being a trafficker ofIndian hemp and the a member of Greenlander cult.

    The police boss also confirmed the arrest and release of Mr. Oguanisi Akpusu, a newphew of former President Goodluck Jonathan over the alleged shooting of two persons during a masquerade festival at Emeyal 1 community of Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    Asuquo said though investigations showed that the shooting was “accidental”, the victims of the accident sustained gunshots injuries on their legs and thighs.

    He said, Akpusu, who was part of the ongoing masquerade festival in Ogbia kingdom shot two persons at Omeyal 1 and was arrested by policemen attached to the Kolo Police Division.

    Asuquo said, “Preliminary investigations‎ showed that it was a case of accidental discharge at a masquerade ceremony in Otuoke and Emeyal area of Ogbia LGA. The victims are being taken care of by the suspect and the Ogbia people. It may have been a mistake.”

  • Bayelsa Police arrest 66 teenagers, 16 suspected robbers, cultists

    Bayelsa Police arrest 66 teenagers, 16 suspected robbers, cultists

    The Bayelsa State Police Command has raided criminal hideouts and arrested 66 teenagers and 16 suspected armed robbers, five kidnappers and cult members across the state.

    Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the state police command in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Tuesday, the police also displayed assorted arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects.

    The arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects were four locally-made revolver pistols, two pump actions guns, one 7.62mm live ammunition, 20 .9mm live ammunition and 30 rounds of AAA cartridges.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Amba Asuquo, said the 66 teenagers, who were between 14 to 17 were nabbed with weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.

    He said the minors consisting of 36 males and 30 females were arrested when the State Anti-Robbery Squad raided a community in Ekeki area of Yenagoa metropolis.

    He, however, said the teenagers would not be charged but would be counselled in the presence of their parents, warned and discharged.

    The police boss said on September 28, one Yoko Nathan, 31, and others at large, came from Azegbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area to Yenagoa to buy three AK47 rifles but were trailed by detectives.

    He said Nathan was arrested on Tombia Road, Yenagoa while trying to exchange money for the guns, while others fled.

    He said the suspect confessed that the guns were meant for kidnapping, sea robbery and armed robbery.

    Asuquo said: ”On October 4, 2017, about 7pm, policemen on patrol intercepted a tricycle with three occupants, armed with a locally-made revolver pistol with five rounds of live ammunition on Melford Okilo Road.

    ”On sighting the police team, the hoodlums fled. They were chased by the police and one of them was arrested, other gang members were traced to Tana Suite on Custom Road, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

    ”The suspects were searched and one locally made revolver pistol with five rounds of .9mm live ammunition was recovered from one of the suspects, James Oweifa, 21. The other suspect is Peter Enang, 22. The investigation is ongoing.”

    Asuquo said on October 5, one Godbless Miller, 28, Agala Lawrence, 26 and Longlife Edwin, 23, all of Opolo-Epie community were rounded up in connection with cult activities at a hideout in Opolo

    He said one of the suspects, Miller, admitted being a trafficker of Indian hemp and the member of Greenlander cult.

    The police boss also confirmed the arrest and release of Mr. Oguanisi Akpusu, a nephew of former President Goodluck Jonathan over the alleged shooting of two persons during a masquerade festival at Emeyal 1 community of Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    Asuquo said though investigations showed that the shooting was “accidental”, the victims of the accident sustained gunshots injuries on their legs and thighs.

    He said, Akpusu, who was part of the ongoing masquerade festival in Ogbia kingdom shot two persons at Omeyal 1 and was arrested by policemen attached to the Kolo Police Division.

    Asuquo said, “Preliminary investigations‎ showed that it was a case of accidental discharge at a masquerade ceremony in Otuoke and Emeyal area of Ogbia LGA. The victims are being taken care of by the suspect and the Ogbia people. It may have been a mistake.”

  • Policeman guns down 13years-old in Bayelsa

    Policeman guns down 13years-old in Bayelsa

    There was protest in Bayelsa State, Friday, after a policeman, Corporal David Napoleon, shot and killed a 13-year-old Senior Secondary School Student identified as Joseph Tomizibe.

    Residents of Kpansia where the indigent happened protested the killing, blocked the road and caused traffic gridlock along the busy Yenagoa-Mbiama road.

    The policeman attached to the Department of Operations at the state police command, was said to have been arrested, disarmed and detained for further investigations.

    The Kpansia community was thrown into chaos as youths, women and elders lamented rising illegal arrest by policemen.

    But the intervention of Yenagoa Caretaker Committee Chairman, Oforji Oboku, calmed frayed nerves and stopped the angry residents from attacking a traffic policeman in the area.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr, Asinim Butswat, said the victim was 18 years old adding that he was shot when the policeman was trying to escape from being attacked by irate boys and suspected cultists in the area.

    But the Central Zone leadership of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) faulted the claims of the police.

    The Zonal Chairman of IYC, Mr. Tare Porri, who visited the deceased family, said his interactions with members of the family showed the victim was 13 years old.

    Narrating how the incident happened, he said: After consulting with the police and family of the deceased boy, it is clear that the deceased is 13 years old. He and the killer policeman were neighbours.

    “‎Eyewitnesses said the policeman shot twice from the kitchen to scare some suspected cultists trying to gain entry. When he came out, he saw that the boys were still around. There was an argument and when one of the boys called others on phone, the policeman shot at knee level but the bullet hit the deceased on the thigh.

    “Eyewitnesses and the Investigating officer confirmed to us that the boy was not a cultist. He was just witnessing the argument.

    “I call on the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and come out with a clear report to avoid a reprisal attack against security agents. Repraisal can happen when such cases are not properly investigated. Kpansia is a safe community and must be made to remain so.”

    Reacting to the incident, the PPRO said: “The incident occurred at about 10pm on thursday after six armed cultists invaded the home of Corporal David Napoleon at Kpansia area of the state capital.

    “The suspect and armed cultists tore the window net and gain entrance into the house. The officer, who was home with his family, ran after the hoodlums and arrested one Stephen Ayama, Male, 16 years and a member of the Greenlander cult group .He was handed over to the State Security outfit known as Door Akpo.

    “When he was coming back to his house with a plan to move his family out to a safer place, some suspected cultists and indigenes of the community went after him to attack him.

    “He ran but was chased by the irate youths. He turned and shot ‎at them below the knee level. The bullet hit one Tombozide Joseph, 18 years, on the thigh. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre.”

  • NSCDC boss receives award for resolving crisis in Bayelsa Ohaneze

    NSCDC boss receives award for resolving crisis in Bayelsa Ohaneze

    The socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Bayelsa State chapter, has honoured the state Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Desmond Agu. Ohaneze recently visited Agu in his Yenagoa office and bestowed on him an award as a peacemaker.

    Led by its state President, Chief Amaku Maurice, Ohaneze believed that Agu deserved the Ambassador of Peace Award. He stood up to be counted when leadership crisis took over the Igbo body.

    Maurice and his newly-elected executive council, faced stiff opposition from persons who kicked against their emergence. It was a battle that tore the Igbo community apart in Bayelsa and attracted the attention of security agencies as well as the government.

    But Agu showed up. He was the chief mediator; a forerunner for peace. The commandant initiated many peace moves. On many occasions, he led other security commanders in the state to hold talks with the warring parties.

    As a security commander, his ultimate aim was to stop the crisis and prevent possible violent clashes that could affect the overall peace of the state. As an Igbo indigene from Imo State, Agu was worried that the crisis was painting his people black. It gave him many sleepless nights until he brought it to a reasonable end.

    Maurice, who led the delegates including some special assistants to the governor, said the award was to appreciate Agu for all his concerns towards the Ohaneze. Describing him as a great man of value, and a peacemaker, Maurice observed that it took Agu’s interventions to restore peace within the Igbo community.

    Maurice said: “After the election, crisis broke out and a feud we thought will never end, Agu came into the matter and settled it. Today, am proud to let him know that the Ohaneze Bayelsa state has been moving smoothly so far.

    “We have been having our monthly meetings and peace has been restored to the Ohaneze courtesy of his interference. Though there are still some little challenges by some aggrieved members, we believe that with time, all wounds will be healed.

    “We all are delighted for the welcome you always grant us whenever we call on you and the listening ear you give us. Peacemakers never lack peace. Today we have come to reply this feature by giving you the award of ‘Ambassador of Peace of Ndigbo Bayelsa’. It is called the Omeudo 1 in Igbo dialect. We are really thankful for everything you have been doing and has kept on doing”.

    In fact, the elated Agu welcomed the award with a song he interpreted as live and let live, the world is enough to contain everyone. He asserted that there was no need to fight for everything. He said if given the opportunity to come back to life again, he would return as an Igbo man.

    Describing the award as rare, he appealed to the President and his council to intensify their reconciliation efforts and make peace with other aggrieved parties. Addressing Maurice, he said: “You said in your words that time would  heal the hearts of the aggrieved but I want to beg you to please go and look for your brothers.

    “They remain your blood irrespective of your differences. A tree never makes a a forest. We all need one another. There is no perfect election anywhere. Even families experience such. Siblings get envious of each other, spouses complain and it continues like that.

    “It is now your responsibility to take in everyone as they are, show them love and care. We all came to Bayelsa to look for what to eat, may we not fall on what will eat us. We didn’t come to fight, so let’s take each other as one since we decided to be under one umbrella of the Ohaneze”.

    Agu urged the Igbo community in the state to maintain the peace. He appealed to the youths to keep themselves busy and avoid criminal activities. He told them that the security agencies were monitoring activities in the state to arrest and prosecute persons involved in cultism and other violent crimes.

    On his part, a Patron of Ohaneze, Chief Wilfred Iyinagolu, thanked Agu for watching over the Igbo community the way the hen cares for her chicks. Also, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-Indigenes, Chief Sunny Chukwueze, said Agu deserved the honour.

    lso speaking, the Deputy Commandant, NSCDC, Ikima Austine, said Agu had set good examples for his subordinates. He said they would continue to emulate the qualities of the commandant.

  • Bayelsa five-star hotel sits in limbo

    Bayelsa five-star hotel sits in limbo

    The 18-storey five-star Tower Hotel project has remained a subject of controversy in Bayelsa State. The spiral structure was designed to be the tallest building in the state and a hotel of aesthetic beauty and excellence that would promote the state’s tourism potential.

    It was conceived to be a facility of choice for international conferences and high-profile visitors. It was initiated by the administration of late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in his short-lived reign as the governor of the state began the construction of the edifice.

    The facility was initially designed as a 14-storey building with 120 rooms and 2,500 capacity auditorium. But Jonathan reportedly left the project on a second floor after he became the Vice-President. His successor, former Governor Timipre Sylva, redesigned the project and made it 18-storey building. The former governor continued with the project until it got to the expected level. Surprisingly, the project was forsaken at the 18th floor.

    For over four years, contractors withdrew from the site. The gigantic structure centrally located between the Bayelsa Palm Road and the Melford Okilo Expressway became an eyesore. Vegetation took over the site. The abandoned building became a home for gangsters, a haven for notorious criminals, the marijuana smokers and a refuge for destitute.

    While some referred to it as a wasting asset, others said it was a white elephant project. There was no end in sight to the completion date. There was, however, an allegation that the project became a pipe to siphon public funds.

    It was one of the projects used by Sylva to secure a N50 billion loan from the capital market in December 2009. The report of the Financial Management Review Committee showed that the cost of the project was N13.9 billion.

    The report of the committee, which was chaired by the former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe, also showed that the project was rated 26 percent completion when the bond was obtained. The report further said part of the bond (N3.6 billion) was earmarked to be used for the completion of the project in June 2011.

    But by June 2011, the project remained in its abandoned state. The committee in its report observed: “It is pertinent to state that most of the projects highlighted were long abandoned projects and they remain abandoned even after the refinancing.

    However, Sylva in one of his comments against former President Goodluck Jonathan gave a reason why the project was abandoned. He blamed it on the contractors.

    A statement by his Media Adviser, Doifie Ola, said: “Sylva wishes to clarify that the hotel was at the second floor when he took over from Dr. Jonathan as governor. It is now at its 18th floor, as the whole world can see.

    “Sylva agrees that the job has been delayed, but explains that the reason it has been delayed is because the contractor, whom Dr. Jonathan himself chose and awarded the contract to, asked for a variation of N5 billion.”

    Critics have observed that years after Dickson took over the administration of the state; the project had not been completed. Dickson has, however, insisted that he was committed to the project. In March 2013, the governor presented a cheque of N4 billion to a contracting firm, Sedogi Nigeria Limited, to complete the hotel.

    The contract agreement indicated that the project would be completed within 18 months.

    The governor told the firm: “The N4 billion is to enable you re-mobilise to site. We have engaged world class consultants from South Africa, who have the experience and expertise in the development of tourism facilities.

    “They will work with you and with the support of the government, we believe that by the grace of God, the project will be successfully executed.”

    Dickson later confirmed that his administration had already spent N4bn on the construction of the state’s Tower Hotel. The governor said some internal work was carried out, adding that the partitioning of the hotel up to the 16th floor had been completed.

    But efforts of the governor to finish the project, according to a government source, were hampered by the economic recession which compelled his administration to reorder its priorities in line with scarce resources accruing to the state. So, the project still sits in limbo.

  • Excitement as road links Bayelsa community to civilisation

    Excitement as road links Bayelsa community to civilisation

    It is an unprecedented feat. A road to Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, after 40 years of waiting in traumatic vain, is worth the celebration. In fact, Governor Seriake Dickson, rode to Ekeremor on Saturday last week. He is the first person in history to have accessed the local government area by land.

    Dickson could be considered for the Guinness Book of Records. He has done what many politicians in Bayelsa, who occupied a similar position and even higher privileged state and national offices before him failed to do for the people of Bayelsa. It was a moment of inexplicable joy. People residing along the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road saw vehicles drive into their communities for the first time.

    Though the project has not been completed, bulldozing the swampy mangrove forest to create a road and sand-filling it from Toru-Orua, where the asphalt base has so far terminated, to Aleibiri in Ekeremor, gives an indication that the road which targets Ekeremor Town in the first phase, will soon be completed for the usage of all kinds of vehicles.

     

    Significance of the road

    The Sagbama-Ekeremor Road is one of the three senatorial roads in the state. It is designed to connect all the communities in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District. Other big ticket senatorial road projects in the state are Yenagoa-Oporoma-Koluama Road to link the Central Senatorial District and Ogbia-Nembe-Brass Road  for the East Senatorial District. All of them are conceived and designed to link the state capital and all communities to the sea, where the wealth of the state is believed to be domiciled.

    The main objective of the Sagbama-Ekekremor project is to hit Agge, a riverine community that lies on the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean. It is in Agge that the government has proposed to establish the deep seaport project. From the inception of his administration in 2012, Dickson has continued to emphasise the importance of linking Bayelsa to the sea through three flanks, the three senatorial roads.

    In fact, the Sagbama-Ekeremor road project has been on the drawing board since 1979. Late former political leader, Chief Melford Okilo, mounted pressure on the Federal Government to construct the road. But he could not live to see any significant work done on the project.

    In 1993, the Oil Minerals Producing and Development Commission (OMPADEC), which metamorphosed into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded the road project valued then at N888m. The commission reportedly paid 50 per cent of the money to a contractor, who fled with the money.

    The project, which was inherited by NDDC sat in limbo, remained in its abandoned state throughout the administrations of late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeiseigha, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who later relocated to the Presidency and Chief Timipre Sylva. People were miffed that former President Jonathan showed no interest in the three senatorial roads including the Sagbama-Ekeremor until he was booted out of office.

    Dickson, however, toed a different path. He remained adamant that the three senatorial roads were essential ingredients to the development of the state. Dickson was the brains behind the eventual completion of the Ogbia-Nembe Road in the eastern flank of the state.

    The Ogbia-Nembe road, a joint project of NDDC and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was abandoned by the contractor until Dickson gave the firm N3bn cheque to return to site. He has also not abandoned the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Koluama road in the central flank. In fact, the central senatorial road has been constructed up to Igebiri and sand-filled close to Oporoma.

    But the governor has vigorously pursued the completion of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road in his Western Senatorial District. After taking over the project from NDDC, he first constructed the road to Toru-Orua, his hometown in Sagbama. All kinds of vehicles can now drive to Toru-Orua, a community that was hitherto only accessible through water.

    Sand-filling of the road, which is about 100km has been done up to Aleibiri, a community in Ekeremor. Special vehicles with capacity to maneuver sand can now be driven to Aleibiri. The governor and his entourage used such special vehicles like Hilux vans to inspect the project up to its terminal point.

    The Sagbama-Ekeremor road was awarded at the cost of N30bn to both Dantata-Sawoe and Setraco?. The terrain is the most difficult as it cuts across mangrove forest, rivers, rivulets and swamps. There are two major bridges to be constructed from Aleibiri to Ekeremor main town which is the section of the road project handled by Setraco.

    There is no gainsaying the importance of the road to the communities in Ekeremor. The local government area can only be accessed by water. To cut down on the number of hours it takes to get to Ekeremor by water transport, some persons halve the journey by road through Bomadi in Delta State and complete the rest by water. Water transport is generally replete with dangers following the activities of sea robbers, Pirates, kidnappers and other maritime criminals.

    Little wonder, the communities were thrown into jubilation when they saw the vehicles of the governor and his entourage. The people of Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa and Aleibiri trooped out en masse to give Dickson a rousing welcome.

    Excited communities linked by the Sagbama-Ekeremor road such as Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa and Aleibiri in Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas, came out en masse to cheer the governor and his entourage. Women wore their best wrappers and blouses. They sang and danced various renditions of Ijaw songs.

    Children rushed out in their numbers to behold line of endless vehicles that came into their communities. Community leaders, elders, Chiefs and their traditional rulers floated red-carpet receptions for Dickson. At each community, residents received their governor and gave him gifts. He is their hero.

    The people of Alaebiri were particularly happy. To them, the governor had fulfilled one of the promises he made to them when he visited their community by water during the last electioneering. The governor graciously told them that next time he would come to their community, it would be by road.

    Excited Dickson addressed the communities in Ijaw dialect. He promised to fully complete the road in December 2018. He thanked the people for their reception and show of love. He said the road project was part of the fulfillment of his campaign promise in 2012.

    He said it was one of the three Senatorial road projects he promised to deliver in order to open up the state from three flanks. He assured them that ?by December all manner of vehicles would travel along the road. Dickson directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to make his promise a reality saying he would be coming back during the yuletide season.

    He said the need to connect communities in the state to the capital Yenagoa necessitated the construction of the three senatorial roads. He assured them of the commitment of his government to improve on their living conditions, adding that the few communities around the area that were yet to be connected to the national grid would soon be hooked up.

    Dickson said: “This road is very beneficial not just to this local government or this senatorial district, it is very important to this state. It is important to the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and to Nigeria because all the communities across the other side of the River is Delta State as you all know.

    “So, this road connects so many communities and peoples cutting across the local government. It is important so, I want to get it delivered before the end of my tenure.

    Dickson was accompanied on the tour by some ?eminent personalities including the former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Murktar Shagari, who also expressed surprise at the boldness of the governor to construct the road in a difficult terrain.

    He said even though it was obvious recession slowed ?down the work, the governor must be given kudos for continuing with it even with the persistent economic hardship in the country.

    Shagari said:  “When the people of Bayelsa have a person that is completely selfless, that believes in development and opening up the Niger Delta area to the world, they should count themselves fortunate”.

    The people believe that the road when completed would fast-track development and increase economic activities in their areas. They vowed to continue supporting Dickson and his administration for transforming and developing their areas. Most of them said they would never forget the governor.

    The Spokesman for the Aleibiri Federated Communities said since 1979 during the second republic under Chief Melford Okilo that the road was conceived, no administration was able to execute it.

    He said: “It is in this context that when in 2012 you came on board and announced the take over of the project and your desire to go all out to construct the road, not many thought that it would ever see the light of the day.

    “Today, you have shamed the doubting Thomas, the cynics, the political jabbers and all those who have over the years played politics with this critical economic road. We lack words to appreciate you for what you have done for us as a people. You have wiped away our tears, you have made us feel that we are part of this country”.

    Indeed, Dickson has given politicians in the state especially the ones from the western part of Bayelsa a run for their money. Most of them, occupied positions of authorities but added no value to the development of the state.

    The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, is among the prominent politicians from Ekeremor. Many people believe that Lokpobiri, a former speaker and two-time senator, may lose his political relevance if he for the first time drive to his community on a road built by Dickson, his avowed political enemy. The governor is fast rising to becoming an indisputable political leader, a rallying point to the people.

    Though some persons accuse Dickson of paying much attention to his senatorial district, others reply them by citing examples of projects including road infrastructure executed by the governor in areas other than his senatorial district.

    Besides, they argued that if former President Goodluck Jonathan had used his position as a deputy governor, governor, Vice-President and President to attend to the infrastructural needs of his Eastern Senatorial District, that area would have reduced the burden of governing and developing Bayelsa.

    Dickson’s efforts have attracted the admiration and commendations from unusual quarters. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Tokpo Coronation, praised the governor saying he was doing well in the area of road construction.

    He said: “Much as we see all the faults of governor Dickson and criticise him as l also do, we should be bold and objective enough to encourage him where he is trying.

    Take it or leave it, Dickson is doing relatively well in the area of road construction, linking the communities in the Sagbama/Ekeremor axis. You may say he is doing it only for his area, yes, but if every past governor had done same, Southern Ijaw, Nembe-Brass, Ogbia and others would since have been linked by roads.

    “There is nothing that brings physical development to a place like connecting them with roads to the metropolitan centres. The next is electricity.

    “Thank you Dickson for giving hope to the communities in Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas of driving to Yenagoa by road, thereby avoiding the scourge of sea piracy and other maritime crimes.

    “Most of those communities now being linked by road didn’t hope to see motorable roads in their communities in their life time. Some of the old men and women may have seen cars for the first time in their lives”.

  • Day soldiers fought with brooms, hoes, rakes, cutlasses

    Day soldiers fought with brooms, hoes, rakes, cutlasses

    Residents in Bayelsa State woke up to an unusual sight recently. They saw soldiers fighting their common enemies vigorously. But this time not with guns, bullets, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), bombs and their usual arms and ammunition.

    The soldiers including officers battled with hoes, cutlasses, rakes and other domestic implements. Their choice of weapons was determined by the nature of their enemy. Dirts were the common enemy and the soldiers were united against heaps of refuse and improperly disposed used items.

    Troops temporarily abandoned their weapons of mass destruction and took up brooms to sweep public places. They raked dirts and mopped places in Yenagoa, the state capital. It was part of their social responsibility factored into the ongoing military operation in the Niger Delta region, Operation Crocodile Smile II.

    Much fuss about military operations in the country. In Niger Delta, most people, including the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, believe the military exercise is a welcome development. Prior to the operation, the creeks and waterways were replete with dangers.

    Criminal elements were on the prowl killing and maiming innocent travelers. Piracy, sea robberies and other maritime crimes were on the increase. After their onslaughts, the hardened criminals hide in their camps, share their loots and return for fresh operations. So, it is hoped that the military exercise will restore maritime peace in the region.

    Therefore, the environmental sanitation conducted by the military was a clear message that the military operation was not all about arms and ammunition. Soldiers led by the Commander 16th Brigade in Bayelsa, Brig.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, rolled up their sleeves to give residents clean environment.

    It was a sight to behold by passersby. Most of them for the first time saw soldiers undertaking such civil activities. After hours of cleaning Aligbe led his civil troops to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where they donated medical items to the hospital.

    Aligbe said the citizens should see the army as their pride. He appealed to them to take ownership of the army. He urged the people not to panic during the period of the military operation. According to him the exercise was also designed to improve the professional capabilities of soldiers. He said that all insinuations and suspicions against the military exercise were untrue. He insisted that there was no cause for alarm.

    He said: “Nigerians should take ownership of the army and see the army army as the pride of the nation and that’s exactly what we have come here to demonstrate within the context of operation crocodile smile II.

    “Operation Crocodile Smile II is intended to increase the rhythm of our combat operations in the creeks and land-based activities.

    ”At the end of the day, the operational skills of all those participating will be sharpened and of course, we would have gained more mileage in our operational capabilities.

    ”This, of course, you know a lot resources have been committed to the operations to boost what we are doing and so what probably we would have covered in three months will be able to cover in just one month.

    ”So, the operation is going to increase the rhythm of our operations as well as the mileage we are going to attain in terms of our operational gains”.

     

    Immunization Not Part of Military’s Medical Mission

    There was a period of commotion following insinuations that the military as part of its exercise was administering monkey pox vaccines to children in school. It started in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Pandemonium took over the city as parents ran to schools to withdraw their children. The rumoured poisonous vaccines grew in proportion and made an inroad into Bayelsa State. It spread to Edo and other parts of the country.

    But all was hogwash; a lie from the pit of hell as some people would say. As the commotion lasted, nobody was able to produce a pictorial evidence of soldiers clutching vaccine kits to school.

    Aligbe explained that vaccination has never been a part of military exercise. He said military operations included medical outreaches and not immunization of children.

    Aligbe said: “During our medical outreaches, we do not give vaccines, we do not do immunisation. We do basic medical checks and then offer medical materials to individuals that need them and it is not by force.

    ”You will be surprised that in this time and age when you have social media that not even a shadow of the so-called people dressed in military uniform were caught on camera, especially with everybody having a cell phone that has camera in it.

    ”Not even one school, not anywhere the same message, the same rumour that was heard in other states. Unfortunately, the rumour was replicated here in Yenegoa on Friday and caused a lot of apprehension. But as leaders, we must stay on the path of truth in making sure that the services that is expected of us are delivered to the people.”

    He added that the military operation would include routine activities in the creeks, rivulets and land patrols for confidence building. He said the donation was part of the medical outreaches of the Army within the context of its community relationship in their area of operations.

    In his remarks, the FMC Public Relations Officer, who received Aligbe and other Army officers on behalf of the hospital management, said they were highly elated to receive the medical items.

    Akpedi said: ”As a federal government facility, we are highly elated to receive the medical items.

    ”We know very well that this is the beginning of better relationship with the Nigerian Army not just for the staff of this hospital but Bayelsa State in general.”