The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayelsa

  • Oil dispute: Jonathan seeks truce between Bayelsa and Rivers

    Oil dispute: Jonathan seeks truce between Bayelsa and Rivers

    President Goodluck Jonathan has requested Governors Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers to end their media war over the Soku oil wells’ dispute.

    The request is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.

    The statement said the president urged the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments were made against each other.

    The president noted that the media comments could pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.

    “The Presidency has noted with concern the rather unbecoming, unnecessary and unhelpful media war between the Bayelsa and Rivers State Governments over the rightful ownership of some oil wells.

    “The Presidency believes that this media war, which appears to be escalating with each passing day, can only hinder and negate efforts already initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan to achieve an amicable resolution of the dispute in the best interest of the affected communities, the two states and the nation.

    “President Jonathan, therefore, requests the governors of both states to facilitate and help to create the right atmosphere for the successful conclusion of the peace process by ordering an immediate stoppage of all acrimonious public comments against each other over the dispute,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Dr. Abati as saying in the statement.

    The president noted that having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State governor and Kalabari elders, he intended to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting on Friday.

    President Jonathan, according to the statement, will hold a meeting with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders.

     

  • NYSC postpones date of orientation course in Bayelsa

    The National Youth Service Corps has postponed the orientation date for the 2012 Batch ‘C’ corps members deployed to Bayelsa to enable the state fix structures affected by the recent flood disaster.

    The state NYSC coordinator, Mr. Abiodun Sanusi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (on Friday in Yenagoa that the exercise scheduled to hold on Monday had been moved to Wednesday.

    “Generally, the date for the orientation course for the 2012 batch `C’ service year is Monday, November 5, but because of the situation of the structures affected by the flooding in the state, the state government approached the management of the NYSC to extend the date,’’ he said.

    Sanusi said the NYSC had in recent times considered crises situations in some states by allowing for shift in dates and in some situations, a movement of the orientation camps to safer places for the security and wellbeing of the corps members.

    “We have been doing it in some of the crises states like in Yobe and Borno where we have the Boko Haram issues.

    “In those areas, we have had to move the orientation camps to other areas for security reasons, and it had to commence at another date. That has been the practise of the NYSC in addressing issues in crises areas,’’ Sanusi said.

    He explained that in the case of Bayelsa, the NYSC was not moving the camp to another location, adding that the floods did not affect the orientation camp at Kaiama in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

    “Rather, the orientation camp has been used to house many of the victims of the floods, as well as affected corps members in Kaiama,’’ he said.

     

  • Bayelsa police confirm loss of two personnel

    Bayelsa police confirm loss of two personnel

    The Bayelsa State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the loss of two of its men to suspected bandits in the Agbura suburb of Yenagoa.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Fidelis Odunna, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the assailants operating in a black jeep killed the officers at the Agbura roundabout on Wednesday night.

    He said those killed were a corporal and a sergeant, adding that a manhunt had begun

    A source in the Agbura suburb told NAN that the incident occurred at about 8.00pm when the policemen on routine duty at the roundabout were taken unawares by the bandits.

    The source said the assailants slowed down and opened fire on the policemen, who died on the spot.

     

  • Rivers collecting our oil revenue, says Bayelsa

    Rivers collecting our oil revenue, says Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday said there is no plan to annex any part of Rivers State.

    He accused Rivers State of collecting derivation revenue over several oil facilities and installations, which are clearly within Bayelsa territory, from 1999 till date.

    Dickson urged Rivers State government to apologise to President Goodluck Jonathan for allegedly impugning ill-motive into the issues between the two states.

    The governor spoke through a statement in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworison-Markson.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Bayelsa State Government has been drawn to media reports credited to chiefs and elders of some Ijaw clans of Kalabari extraction in Rivers State, alleging attempts by some persons to forcibly annex communities and ancestral lands as well as oil facilities and installations in Kalabari land to Bayelsa State for the purpose of claiming derivation entitlements.

    “The government of Bayelsa State wishes to react as follows: Firstly, we assure our Ijaw kith and kin in the Kalabari clan of Rivers State that there is no such move to forcefully annex any territory or people into Bayelsa State. We further wish to state that the Ijaw strategic interest demands that Ijaws wherever they are should be supported and strengthened and not to be forced into Bayelsa State.

    “That the purported claim is an attempt by detractors of the Ijaw nation to create unnecessary strife and hostility within the Ijaw ethnic family to our collective disadvantage.

    “The true state of affairs is as follows: That by the 11th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria published in 2000, Bayelsa State as a state was entitled to derivation and other claims from crude oil production in respect of oil exploration carried out within its territory as stated in the said map.

    “It is important to note that the claim of a state to derivation on account of oil production within its territory is different from ownership of land by families, communities and even clans. Whereas the claim of a state is based on territorial boundaries contained in the administrative map, that of a clan, family and community is based on traditional history, possession and other forms of ownership.

    “Therefore, it is very common in the Niger Delta, owing to the way and manner states were created, for communities or clans to be in one state while part of the ancestral land is in another. The family, clan or community does not cease to be traditional owners of such lands, while the state in which the land forms a part exercises administrative control over such land and, therefore, entitled to derivation.

    “By the said 11th edition of the administrative map of the Federal Republic of Nigeria dated 2000; Bayelsa State is entitled to derivation in respect of all the oil wells within the state’s territory.

    “The government of Rivers State has been receiving derivation revenue over several oil facilities and installations which are clearly within Bayelsa territory from 1999 till date in spite of the clear boundary delineation in the said map.

    “We acknowledge the long standing dispute between the Ijaws in Bayelsa in Nembe clan and the Ijaws in Kalabari clan in Rivers State over traditional land boundaries. The claims predate the creation of Bayelsa State. However, the present issue is not about Nembe people laying claim to Kalabari land or of people trying to annex Kalabari land and communities as part of Bayelsa State.”

    Dickson said the issues between the two states are not about ethnicity but derivation.

    He added: “Rather, the present claim is about the right of Bayelsa State, like any other state, to derivation revenue in respect of activities within its territory as stated in the administrative map of Nigeria. Even if any land in question in Bayelsa State is found to be the ancestral land of any family, community or clan in Kalabari clan, it does not detract from the right of the state to receive derivation.

    “In the same vein, it does not also detract from the ownership or title to such land by the family, clan or community, which must be acknowledged and treated as such. Derivation revenue is not paid to families, clans or communities but to state governments, exercising administrative control over the territory where production takes place.

    “The government of Bayelsa State has through its consultants verified and computed all such derivation monies wrongly paid to or received by Rivers State over the years.

    “We condemn the deliberate and mischievous attempt to link the President to what is clearly an exercise of Bayelsa State Government’s right.

    “The government of Rivers State itself has made several such claims of wrongful payments of derivation monies and has severally received refund in deserving cases. The questions to be answered by Rivers State government are as follows: Is the Rivers State government saying that because the President is from Bayelsa State, it therefore means that the state should sleep over its rights and entitlements?

    “Or was Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Vice President and President of Nigeria in 1992 and 2000 when these maps were produced?

    “What about the refunds received by the Rivers State government from other states that such funds were wrongly paid to? Should we then associate the refunds with the Presidency?

    “We take serious exception to the antics of the Rivers State government in its attempt to always blackmail the President in a bid to gain unnecessary advantage.

    “The facts remain that all the relevant maps – the administrative map of Nigeria 10th edition produced in 1992 and the 11th edition produced in 2000 were clearly produced long before Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the Vice President and later President.

    “It is therefore pertinent to state that no amount of blackmail or propaganda will deter the government of Bayelsa State from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law.

    “We wish to assure our good brothers in Rivers State not to allow themselves to be used for cheap blackmail or any form of propaganda against the President and Bayelsa State.

    “Let it be clearly stated that the government of Bayelsa State is not interested in annexing Kalabari clan, as it is being alleged, for the purpose of claming derivation entitlements or any other purpose whatsoever.

    “We therefore request the government of Rivers State to tender an unreserved apology to Mr. President and the government of Bayelsa State over its unguarded, mischievous and misleading statements, which clearly are calculated to disparage the Presidency and incite violence between the two states.”

     

  • FLOOD: Five feared drowned in Bayelsa

    FLOOD: Five feared drowned in Bayelsa

    • Bayelsa is cut off, Dickson cries out

    Five persons were feared drowned yesterday on Epie Creek, near Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after two canoes collided in the raging flood in the state.

    The victims were mainly artisans.

    One body had been retrieved at press time.

    Eye witnesses said one of the canoes was paddled by a woman.

    A survivor who refused to disclose his name said he was in one of the canoes with his friends when the accident occurred.

    According to him, when the two boats collided, the occupants of his boat, which included his three friends drowned, while he held on the canoe until sympathisers came to his rescue.

    “As my friends drowned I held to the canoe. People saw me and came to rescue me,” he said adding, “My friends don’t know how to swim, even me.”

    Three of the victims were identified as Abiola, a panel beater; Obisco, a mechanic; and Isiaka a driver.

    Isiaka’s body was retrieved shortly after the incident while divers brought in by government were searching for the others.

    Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson has warned those in charge of relief materials for flood victims not to make it a business affair.

    Governor Dickson who got to the scene of the accident while on a tour of camps for those displaced by flood ordered immediate supply of life jackets to boat transporters around the area, and warned against overloading of canoes.

    He warned transporters to ensure that passengers use life jackets before they are conveyed across the Creek.

    Members of the community have decried the non-completion of a bridge being constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The bridge has been under construction for over two years now.

    “If this bridge which has been under construction since 2010 had been was completed this wouldn’t have happened,” a member of the community told the governor.

    At the Igbogene flood Victims Camp, the governor said: “Nobody should expect to make money out of this flood situation. This is an emergency period. The East/ West road is blocked, nothing comes into this state from Port Harcourt, nothing comes from Warri- Ughelli side. This state has been cut off for a long time,” he said.

    “The whole state is a camp; the state is in an emergency situation. The whole of the state is a refugee camp, even in Yenagoa you have a camp that is almost ten, and I am addressing all of them. It is a major problem.”

  • Using beauty to find peace

    Using beauty to find peace

    Bayelsa is becoming more peaceful by the day. At least, from watching beautiful young ladies strutting to compete in this year’s edition of Miss Peace Bayelsa in Yenagoa recently, it was very easy to relate to the peace and tranquillity which the state has been enjoying.

    The contest was held at the Government House Banquet Hall Yenagoa on Saturday 22nd of September and saw the emergence of a new queen, Gabriel Annie, Miss Peace Bayelsa 2012.

    The maiden edition was held on the 22nd of August 2011 in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government and managed by Providence Global Resources (PGR) Entertainment Limited to commemorate the Bayelsa Peace Day.

    In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21st September of each year as the International Day of Peace.

    According to the resolution, ‘the International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non violence.’

    The director of the Pageant, Seleipre Tonbie, said that the idea of Miss Peace Bayelsa Pageant is to commemorate the international day of peace to promote peace in Bayelsa State and Niger Delta region. “The Beauty Pageant,” he said, “is aimed at creating new role models that will serve as an ambassador of peace in the region.”

    The Niger Delta region was engulfed with hostilities induced by decades of official neglect despite its oil-wealth. This led to arms struggle in the region. Consequently, the agitation in the region took a violent dimension with the proliferation of armed groups all over the region. Organised crimes which involved kidnapping and vandalisation of oil installations continually choked the nation’s economy.

    It would take the granting of amnesty by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, for a new chapter of dialogue to emerge.

    Tonbie emphasised the essence of peace for accelerated development in Bayelsa State.

    Peace could be promoted, said Tonbie, “through the acceptable character representation becomes pertinent via pageantry which showcases young, intelligent, talented, creative and beautiful females, who believe in their contributions to societal awakening and growth.”

    “Women and children have become the unfortunates in these conflicts because of circumstances beyond their control. The best way to prevent them is to promote healthy and balanced economic and social development in an atmosphere of peace.

    However, a complete success and sustainable peace building is a function of youth participation – the seeds of tolerance must first be sown right into the minds of children as they grow.”

  • Bayelsa closes schools

    Bayelsa closes schools

    THE rising water level in most parts of the flood-ravaged communities in Bayelsa State has forced the government to declare emergency holiday in schools.

    The indefinite closure of all schools in the state was announced yesterday in a statement by Governor Seriake Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Iworiso-Mackson.

    The governor’s spokesman said the decision was taken to safeguard the lives of pupils and to keep them away from possible dangers that could arise from the flood.

    The statement appealed to parents and guardians to accept the decision as it was taken in the interest of all.

    It reads: “We want to assure you that normal academic activities will resume as soon as the situation is brought under control.”

    The statement assured the people of the Dickson-led administration’s commitment to “the welfare and well-being of Bayelsans of all ages, especially at these trying times.”

    The Commissioner for information, Mr. Mackson Faafegha, said on the telephone the government was brazing to the challenges in all the 17 camps it established for flood victims in its domain.

    Some of the camps are at the Sports Complex, Igbogene Helipat, Demiari Grammar School and Tombia among others.

    The challenges being faced by inmates range from lack of toilets, food, electricity, fear of epidemic and more.

    But the commissioner, who is a member of the emergency flood committee, said the government is up to the task, pointing out that a major challenge is that of the metropolitan nature of the camps’ location.

    According to him, many residents, who are not flood victims, have been trooping into the camps for free meals and other daily needs.

    He said: “It is a metropolitan area, especially that at the Sports Complex. So, everyone including the disabled are going there to get relief items.”

    The commissioner listed the items provided for the victims to include rice and garri.

    “The government is very conscious of the supply of essential food items, water and medication to avoid cholera or epidemics”, said Faafegha, who announced the provision of customised toilets.

    Accusing political detractors of using the inmates to foment troubles, Faafegha said the protests over congestion and lack of light in some camps have been nipped in the bud.

    He said the government has been trying its best to provide necessary comfort for the victims. He advised them against yielding to incitement from any quarters.

    On the closure of schools, the commissioner explained that it became necessary.

    Besides the desire to avoid loss of lives, the schools in affected areas would not be left behind since the state operate uniform syllabus.

    Dickson had at the weekend expanded and inaugurated the flood management Committee.

    The 20-member committee chaired by Dicksons’ deputy Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) has the Secretary to the State Government(SSG) Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru as its secretary.

    Members include: commissioners, special advisers, all special representatives of local government areas, as well as a representative of the State Commissioner of Police.

    Others are special adviser on security to the governor, House of Assembly Committee Chairman on the Environment, Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Government House).

    Council helmsmen are expected to serve as chairmen of their respective local Flood Relief Sub-Committees as well as Commandants of their various camps.

    Dickson, who gave the committee a five-point reference, directed the establishment of emergency relief camps in strategic locations.

     

  • Floods: Bayelsa shuts schools

    Floods: Bayelsa shuts schools

    The Bayelsa State government on Tuesday announced the indefinite closure of all schools in the state.

    The move is aimed at curtailing the damaging effects of floods in many parts of Bayelsa.

    A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Mackson, said the decision was taken to “safeguard the lives of children and to keep them away from possible dangers that could arise from the flood.”

    The government appealed to parents and guardians to accept the decision as it was taken in the “interest of Bayelsans.”

    “We want to assure you that normal academic activities will resume as soon as the situation is brought under control, “the statement said.

     

     

  • Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha,honour Alamieyeseigha

    Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha,honour Alamieyeseigha

    To mark the 16th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, the state government has announced its decision to immortalise late General Sani Abacha.
    It has concluded plans to lay the foundation stone for a 150 duplex housing estate which would be named after late General Abacha whose government created Bayelsa State as Head of State on the 1st of October, 1996.
    Governor Seriake Dickson announced the decision on Monday in his broadcast to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the creation of the State and the 52nd independence of the country.
    According to Governor Dickson, government in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has christened the main auditorium of the INC secretariat after General Abacha as well as invite the family of the late General to be part of the celebration and also plant a memorial tree in his honour.
    This gesture which comes 16 years after the creation of the state would also be used to honour the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha for his commitment to the Ijaw struggle by naming a hall after him in the INC building which was started by him.
    The governor also paid tributes to those he described as worthy Nigerian leaders like President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Yar’Adua whose actions impacted positively on Bayelsans.
    He re-affirmed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring accelerated infrastructural development and revolutionary investments in human capital development.

  • Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha, honour Alamieyeseigha

    Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha, honour Alamieyeseigha

    To mark the 16th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, the state government has announced its decision to immortalise late General Sani Abacha.
    It has concluded plans to lay the foundation stone for a 150 duplex housing estate which would be named after late General Abacha whose government created Bayelsa State as Head of State on the 1st of October, 1996.
    Governor Seriake Dickson announced the decision on Monday in his broadcast to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the creation of the State and the 52nd independence of the country.
    According to Governor Dickson, government in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has christened the main auditorium of the INC secretariat after General Abacha as well as invite the family of the late General to be part of the celebration and also plant a memorial tree in his honour.
    This gesture which comes 16 years after the creation of the state would also be used to honour the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha for his commitment to the Ijaw struggle by naming a hall after him in the INC building which was started by him.
    The governor also paid tributes to those he described as worthy Nigerian leaders like President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Yar’Adua whose actions impacted positively on Bayelsans.
    He re-affirmed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring accelerated infrastructural development and revolutionary investments in human capital development.