Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Secretary-General of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Nangi Obu, has rejected his suspension by some members of the council’s executive committee led by Jonathan Lokpobiri, younger brother to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri.

Lokpobiri and some of his executive members had announced the suspension of Obu after blaming him for the bloodshed that marred the IYC Eastern Zonal election at Abuloma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

About five Ijaw youths were allegedly killed and many others injured and maimed as two rival groups clashed during the zonal poll. But Obu, who broke his silence on the issue, described his suspension as dead on arrival explaining that Jonathan and others had no constitutional rights to remove him.

“They have no right to sit and suspend me because I am not an employee of Jonathan. Our constitution does not give them such latitude,” he said.

 He described the killings of innocent Ijaw youths during the election as unfortunate, terrible and avoidable and blamed the bloodbath on what he referred to as Jonathan’s alleged attempt to impose candidates.

 He said as a President of council, Jonathan could only partake in electoral processes in other zones as an observer and was forbidden to make himself to dictate and micromanage the outcome of such elections.

 Obu recalled that similar elections held at Jonathan’s central zone in Bayelsa and the Western Zone in Delta and that Jonathan only went there as an observer.

 He, however, said Jonathan took a special interest in the Eastern Zonal election because he had the desire to hand over the Rivers structure to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to give him a strong base in Ijaw land to undo his political enemy and Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara.

 He said Jonathan was deeply involved in the war against Fubara, whom he said deserved the IYC protection being an Ijaw governor, because of his elder brother’s relationship with Wike.

 Obu explained that the election was formally scheduled to hold in Opobo, Fubara’s local government area, but that Jonathan on arriving the area and discovering he could not implement his wish unilaterally cancelled it without consulting with the organisers.

 He said after the Opobo cancelled poll, they all decided to take the exercise back there on an agreed date, but that Jonathan opposed the decision and declared that the election would hold in Abuloma on September 14, 2024.

 He said: “Jonathan is acting as a stooge to hand over the structure of IYC Eastern Zone to the FCT Minister. They came to the Eastern Zone to install the candidate of their choice. We resisted it.  

 “The Kalabari clan where it was zoned to, the stakeholders sat down and selected their choice. Jonathan Lokpobiri knowing that it was not the candidate he had collected money for disagreed with them. He got money from the FCT Minister, his brother and an interventionist agency and other quarters to deliver their candidate so that they can use that person to cause crisis in the Ijaw nation. 

 “We told Jonathan that he cannot come from the central zone and decide for Kalabari people who should be their leader. At Opobo when he discovered he could not impose his candidate, he unilaterally cancelled the election. We left the scene. 

 “He rescheduled the election for September 14. Everybody agreed and we decided to take it back to Opobo. But Jonathan refused and chose the venue himself.

 “Jonathan came with his candidate armed with cult boys at the venue of the Abuloma election. The cult boys started having issues with other Ijaw youths that they felt should not be around. I have never carried gun in my life and I have never joined any cult in my life. Jonathan is known for violence.”

 Obu said Jonathan and others were after him and three other executive members because they had been critical of his brother Heineken Lokpobiri.

 He recalled that the plot to bring them down started after they released some statements accusing Heineken of incompetence and urging President Bola Tinubu to redeploy him.

He said: “For over a month, I and few of my colleagues saw how the suffering on Nigerians had been intensified by the insensitivity and lack of tact by the Minister of Petroleum. 

 “He lied to us that Port Harcourt refinery would be running in December 2023, Warri refinery would start working in March this year. He is a minister from Ijaw extraction. But he hasn’t been doing things well and we are suffering. In my area, we now buy fuel at about N5,000 a litre. 

 “We have been critical of the Minister and they are looking for a way to take me out. They sent people to come after. We called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy him because it looks like he lacks the magic wand to do something in that sector. All other agencies under the Minister are not doing well”. 

 He accused Lokpobiri of collecting N250 million to remove him and three other of his colleagues but that they decided to start with him to manage the tension.

 Obu called on security agencies to thoroughly, without any bias investigate,  the activities of Jonathan and his actions that led to the terrible killings of Ijaw Youths in Abuloma.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has faulted detractors seeking an end to his tenure in office, saying that he was duly screened and cleared for the position he is manning at the commission.

Ogbuku, who provided clarity on the issue of the tenure of the current governing board of the commission, while addressing a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, stated that the members were appointed for a four-year tenure.

He said the insinuations in some quarters that his tenure as the managing director would end this year, was false and without any foundation.

Ogbuku stated that subject to the provision of Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act, “a member of the board other than ex-efficio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.”

The NDDC chief executive officer(CEO) said that those pushing for the truncation of the tenure of the NDDC board were not happy that members were working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu for the people of the Niger Delta region.

He lamented that in spite of the efforts of the NDDC Board and management to deliver on quality projects and programmes, some people with selfish motives were working behind the scene to return the commission to the days of instability and non-performance.

He stated that nothing would distract the NDDC Board and management from holding fast to its mantra of – Transiting from Transactions to Transformation.

Ogbuku advised those scheming for a change of batons at NDDC to hold their horses as President Tinubu re-appointed him for another term of four years, noting that the region should be ready to see more people-oriented projects and programmes.

He assured them  that as soon as the 2024 budget of the Commission was signed into law, the on-going efforts to complete legacy projects would gain momentum, pointing out that the plan in the budget was to raise N1 trillion from development and commercial banks for the completion of legacy projects spread across the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku explained that the legacy projects included regional roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore reclamation and protection, among others.

He also outlined recent initiatives of the board, including the Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Summit, which was a culmination of other engagements with the youth groups and women.

He assured the people  that the resolutions of the summit would inform future actions, stating that the communique would be presented to President Tinubu.

Speaking on the NDDC Healthcare Programme, which caters to the needs of rural communities, Ogbuku said that the recent free medical outreach across the nine states of the region, was successful, leading to plans for holding the event biannually.

He said further that the commission had acquired and distributed 13 ambulances to regional hospitals in response to a cholera outbreak and was working to secure more ambulances and cholera vaccines to prevent further incidents.

In the education sector, the NDDC boss highlighted the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme of the commission, noting that 2,323 students in the region had so far benefited from it. He added: “We have released the initial funds for beneficiaries of the 2024/2025 scholarship programme. In response to the rising costs of foreign education, we are considering offering local undergraduate scholarships.”

The NDDC boss assured all stakeholders that the era of not having data or evidence of projects and programmes was gone, adding the current board and management of the commission had adopted strategies to showcase its activities.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc, has sensitised students of Methodist Girls High School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on electricity safety, to promote zero accident at home while using electrical appliances.

The school safety campaign was one of the Port Harcourt disco’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) for its host communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers State.

During the training, officials of the disco taught the students how to observe safety within and outside the home; things to do and avoid during the rainy season and safety guide on things they should not do.

They were advised to talk to their parents to stop buying fake or sub-standard materials in installation of electricity, and should engage a certified electrician to check and install broken accessories in their homes.

The students were also advised to stay away from accumulated water around electrical installations, “don’t stand by electrical power supply pole, don’t touch wet electrical switches, do not touch anyone in contact with the downed wire,” among others.

Speaking with THISDAY during the awareness programme, at the school premises, the Chief Technical Officer of the electricity company, Mr. Satya Narayana, said the aim of the training was for the students to take the awareness home, talk to members of their family and others within their locality.

Narayana said: “You know we usually say that safety begins at home, so we also believe that safety is nurtured in the school, because whatever you inculcate in the beginning, in the small minds, it will be flourished and come into practice. They are children who bring awareness in the house to their parents.

“The children are also instruments for promoting safety awareness in the society in the days ahead. For example, the children who attended this programme, will go and tell their parents, so it spreads, it propagates in the society.”

The PHED officer revealed that the same campaign was done in other parts of the state where the company operates. “We have multiple approaches to bring in safety awareness. This is one of that kind of approach,” he said.

Apart from schools, Narayana added that the company had severally engaged governments, organisations, including the PHED staff on safety awareness.
“Whenever we engage with the government, the department of public administration and the communication department. In all our meetings, we also have to begin with safety. You know, every meeting starts with safety, evacuation procedures and safety and all that. This is the fundamental rule to begin with.

“We also conduct training for the linesman, our own staff, on how to operate electrical equipment safely. What are the safety practices which we have, the standards we have, how to implement them. So this is what we do to promote campaign on safety, and ensure zero accident goal”.
The acting Principal of MGHS, Mrs. Ebere Okoroji, expressed joy that PHED chose her school for the safety awareness programme.

She explained that during the safety campaign, both the teachers and students learnt the best way to stay safe while using electrical appliances, promising that the knowledge acquired will be put into practice.

“The main lesson we are taking away from this programme is the safety awareness on the use of electricity. Before now, students seeing electrical cables littered on the road or in their houses may not know the risk they portend, especially when they are still connected to power. But today, we have been sensitised that we should not touch any wire seen on the road,” she said.

She thanked the management of PHED for the presentation of first aid kits to the school, and promised that the kits will be rightly used, especially in the case of minor accident.

Blessing Obasi, an SS2 student of the school, also thanked the company for the opportunity granted them to participate in the awareness programme.
“We were sensitised not to touch electrical wires when our hands are wet, that it can kill within a second. With what I have gathered here today, I will get back home and sensitise my family on the risk of being careless with electricity, including usage of poor materials to wire lights in our homes,” she said.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

It was jubilation at the weekend when indigenous companies, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lekoil Oil Joint Venture, kick-started several projects to positively impact on its host communities in three communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The projects are being provided in conjunction with Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), and the New Nigerian Foundation (NNF) from the  3.0 per cent operating expenses (OPEX), aimed at implementing the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil host communities.

In their design, structure, and processes of the companies’ social responsibility programme they are intended to maximise value-accelerating factors throughout our host communities of Ikuru Town, Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama & Asukoyet. 

 The projects to be executed in the first phase of the implementation of the five-year-plan include: one kilometer road leading into Ugama Ekede, Scholarship for students in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education. 

As well as Bursary for university students in Ugama Ekede, a Town Hall and a Box Culvert in Asuk-ama and a road projects in Asukoyet.

Several other sustainable development initiatives have been undertaken through the MoU regime since 2014, until the establishment of the Host Community Development Trust under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

The coming on stream of these projects saw royal fathers, community chiefs, women and youths of the three benefiting communities of Ugama Ekede, Asuk-ama and Asukoyet, overwhelmed with joy.

 In a joyful mood, paramount ruler of Asukoyet, His Royal Highness, King Brown, commended the Joint Venture operators and the HCDT for the road project awarded to his community, stating that the road has been the major challenge of his people.

 Brown said the lack of road has affected the social and economic lives of the people, adding that cars and tippers avoid the community because of the poor state of the road.

 “By the grace of God all of us are happy to see that the JV is trying. The present road we are flagging off now is money from the community. It is what we got from the JV that is being used for this road.

 “This project is our number one priority. Apart from our house, where we run to when it is raining road is another import thing any community needs.

“The road has affected us in so many ways. Sometimes ordinary sand, somebody will have little money to build a house, but no tipper will agree to come and bring in sand for you because of no road. If this road is completed it will restore hope and bring progress in the community”, Brown added.

 Also speaking, the Chairman Ugama Ekede Council of Chiefs, Harry Ekpirikpo, whose community got one  kilometer road project, urged the contractors to ensure that the road was delivered according to the expected standard and in record time.

Ekpirikpo noted that at the end of the road project the community would want the board to complete the community town hall.

 “We are seeking scholarships for our children. We cannot do all these infrastructures without factoring in the education of our children,” he said.

 On her part, a woman leader at Ugama Ekede, Mrs Cordilia Elijah, said it was the first time the riverine community would see a tarred road, urging the contractor to ensure that they constructed the road based on specifications.

 Mrs Elijya said: “We are very happy with the project. But, we are suggesting to them that the road should be the main road leading to the community. Although, the chiefs have the final say, but we want the right thing to be done, because it is for all of us.”

 Speaking at the flag-off at Ugama Ekede, Chairman Board of Trustees, of the HCDT, Nathan Asuk, noted that the projects were nominated by the communities, promising that it would be delivered to the people according to the specified terms. He promised the communities that the project would be delivered based on specification and timely too.

 Partners to the JV, New Nigeria Foundation, a body that carried out the need assessment in the communities, also charged the communities to shun any form of disagreement and allow peace in order for the projects to be completed.

 Mr.Temitope Aremu, who represented the company and led the needs assessment processes in the community, confirmed that as stipulated in the PIA, that the projects to be executed were chosen by the communities through a transparent process.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, has called for urgent action to address Nigeria’s alarming maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

The federal lawmaker made the call during a dialogue with female Commissioners of Health from across Nigeria, held in Abuja .

She emphasised that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 39 deaths per 1,000 live births were unacceptable and required immediate attention.

The meeting, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health (OSAP-H), aimed to discuss issues around the health of women and children in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As women leaders in health, Sen Banigo stressed their unique responsibility to save lives and improve healthcare outcomes. She urged Commissioners of Health across the country to work together to address these challenges and prioritise the health of women and children.

Banigo expressed her experience as Acting Commissioner of Health and Deputy Governor and highlight the importance of collaboration across all levels, including local governments, primary healthcare centers, states, and federal authorities.

She encouraged the Commissioners to harness the strategic platform of their State Council of Health to drive improvement in health outcomes.

The Senator eulogies the accomplished women who have shown commitment to transforming healthcare for women and children, and expressed confidence that the ideas shared, knowledge exchanged, and strategies developed would translate into real progress, ensuring the health of women and children is protected and prioritized.

According to her, “I was truly honored to be invited as a Special Guest of Honour at this crucial dialogue with our female Commissioners of Health from across Nigeria. Being surrounded by such accomplished women, all committed to transforming healthcare for our women and children, filled me with immense pride and optimism.

“To be candid, the challenges before us are enormous. Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 39 deaths per 1,000 live births are not statistics we can accept as the norm. These figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated action. As women leaders in health, we bear a unique responsibility to reverse these trends and save countless lives.”

She advised that “As Commissioners of Health, you hold a vital position. Even though the constitution delineates responsibilities between Local Governments and our primary healthcare centers, States and their secondary health services, and the Federal Government overseeing tertiary care, the reality is that the health outcomes of your state are your responsibility”.

She said as health authority in their various states, is essential for the Commissioners to understand that they are accountable for the entire spectrum of care.

“From my past experience as both Acting Commissioner of Health and Deputy Governor, I know firsthand how critical it is to foster collaboration across all levels. I have seen the importance of bringing all stakeholders together, including CSOs and development partners. Your position is pivotal in ensuring that everyone works together towards a common goal.

“Your State Council of Health is also a strategic platform at your disposal. It is a melting pot of diverse perspectives. I encourage you to harness this resource effectively, making it a key driver in improving health outcomes in your states”.

Banigo added that the meeting marked a significant step toward aligning their efforts across the national and sub-national levels, saying “As we move forward, I am confident that the ideas shared, the knowledge exchanged, and the strategies developed will translate into real progress, ensuring that the health of our women and children is not only protected but prioritized”.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested the alleged killers of the Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman of Mgbuoshimini in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, River State, Chief Ndidi Livingstone.

It would be recalled that Livingstone was shot dead on January 13, 2024, in front of his church, Peculiar Faith Ministries, Rumueme. In a viral video, four men stormed the church, dragged the victim out and murdered him, shooting him four times with AK-47 rifles, in the presence of his wife, son and congregants of the church.

Based on the video in the public space, the state Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said directive was given to a team of Operatives of the FID-Intelligence Response and the Command on a nationwide manhunt for the killers.

During the investigation, the special team identified the four men in the video, including the alleged mastermind of the assassination, Peter Daddy Chukwu, who was hunted down to a hideout in Ibusa, Delta State, on April 5, 2024, in his attempt to resist arrest died in gun duel with the police.

Parading suspects arrested for different criminal acts, including murder, robbery, cultism, impersonation, and unlawful possession of firearms yesterday at the Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt, the CP said manhunt for the perpetrators as seen in the viral video led to the arrest of three other persons directly responsible for the assassination and six more persons belonging to their criminal network.

Disu said an ex-convict, Nnamdi Emmanuel, 35m a native of Onicha LGA, Ebonyi State, who shot the late Livingstone on the foot on the day of the incident joined ‘Daddy Chukwu’ from December 2023 to January 2024 to carry out two assassination operations and a hotel bombing.

He said on arrest, the operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, 141 rounds of live ammunition and eight magazines from Emmanuel.

Also arrested is “John Lucas, 34, from Logoro LGA, Bauchi State, claimed to be a dismissed Lance Corporal from the Nigeria Army for desertion in 2014. He had been to prison for drug trafficking and since his release, he has been involved in all sorts of crimes. Chukwu recruited him in December 2023, and together they have unleashed evil on his rivals. Lucas was seen in the viral video taking the final shot that killed Chief Livingstone.

“Adebayo Adebayo (48) from Ado Ekiti LGA, Ekiti State claimed he was dismissed as a Sargent from the Nigeria Army in 2019. John Lucas recruited him to join in the assassination of Chief Livingstone. He was seen in the video wearing a Special Forces shirt.

“After the police declared a manhunt for him, he became a journeyman moving from one state to another seeking to evade arrest, but this did not deter the police as he was traced to every state. He eventually settled down in Kwale, Delta State, where he got employed as a Chief Security Officer (CSO) of a Waste Management Company. He was apprehended while on duty at his new place of work.

“Chimezie Adiele, 29,  from Osisioma LGA, Abia State. He too claimed to be a dismissed Lance Corporal from the Nigerian Army. He was also recruited by John Lucas for the armed robbery operation where 56 Skyrun refrigerators were stolen. His share of the loot was four refrigerators.”

Also arrested were Ogolo Promise, 25, a native of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Rivers State; Chigemezu Anochirimoyanya, 29, from Mbaitolu LGA, Imo State, and Success Oge, 39, from Umuahia LGA, Abia State, was arrested for stealing Chigemezu’s vehicle.

Others are Ifeanyi Nwadike, 30, from Emuoha LGA Rivers, Sunday Godspower, 33, who hail from Sii village in Khana LGA of Rivers State, was arrested as a close associate of Peter Chukwu and was also identified as one of the killers of another traditional leader of Mgbuoshimini, Chief Minikwu Chukwu, in 2017.

Disu further revealed that during the investigation, “four of the suspects, John, Nnamdi, Ogolo and Adebayo, led operatives to one of their camps at pipeline, Aluu village for the recovery of their cache of weapons.

“While approaching the camp, they came under heavy gunfire by hoodlums suspected to be fellow gang members. The suspects attempted to escape in the ensuing ambush but were caught in the crossfire. The hoodlums were eventually overpowered, and the suspects rushed to UPTH for medical attention. The doctor confirmed them dead, and they were deposited in the UPTH morgue for autopsy,” he said.

The Police Chief assured the state that the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded, adding that efforts is in top gear to apprehend more suspects connected to Daddy Chukwu’s criminal network.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Investors  in Port Harcourt,  the Rivers State capital, have  said peace must be pursued with all seriousness if the oil rich  state  wishes to take back their place of pride as investment destination in Nigeria. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, My-ACE China, and founder of  Peace Pageantry, Christian Okoro, said until investors and entrepreneurs find the formula for peace, they may not discover the secret of investment success in the region.

These and other entrepreneurs spoke at the revived Rivers Queen of Peace pageant, which produced the next Rivers Queen of Peace, Tobechi Elendu.

The organisers, who commended China, popularly known as Mayor of Housing for backing the peace pageantry, said Rivers State must be lucky at last to have a Governor of Peace, Mayor of Peace, and Queen of Peace. 

Flagging off the contest, China said many visitors have been trapped to remain behind and invest in the state, but urged the inhabitants to return to the days of old when Port Harcourt was the centre of entertainment and tourism. 

He said: “This is the power of prosperity that Port Harcourt or Rivers State commands. I must however warn business people in Rivers State that the global walls are coming down due to social media. For this reason, perception is now greater than reality. Most persons now work with what they hear about you, or what they perceive. So, put your right foot forward first. If you don’t smile, nobody will come to embrace you.”

He reminded that Dubai thrives on force of attraction to visitors and profits from every single person that visits there.

“So, if you don’t smile, you lose out. Rivers State can be like Dubai,” he said. 

On why business people like him keep shouting for peace, he said it was to create an environment needed to create wealth and profit.

“So, we are going to work closely with these people and our peace-loving government to ensure that our best foot as a state is put forward.”

In remarks, Okoro, the co-founder of the Rivers Beauty Queen of Peace pageantry, explained that the pageantry was revived after 2019 due to the new atmosphere in the state.

He said peace is the only thing that attracts investors, not availability of mineral resources or good government policies.

 “These ones ride on peace to attract investors. For this reason, we preach peace. Rivers State is heaven of peace. So, we have assembled these bevies of beauty as peace advocates.

The event began with drama-let that depicted the understanding that Rivers is safe for business and investment, but that there should be no need to fight because there is rather enough to go round.

•Fubara seeks more synergy to fight against oil theft

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy to ensure the improvement of crude oil production from 1.35 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.2 million barrels, before the end of December 2024.

This came as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, called for more synergy from security operatives and other stakeholders to sustain the win against oil theft in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of members of the Defence Joint Monitoring Team at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, Musa clarified that the essence of the taskforce was to ensure the security and production of crude oil within the Niger Delta.

He urged the team to liaise with all security agencies and critical stakeholders in bringing oil bunkering and related crimes to a standstill in the Niger Delta region.

Musa, further explained that although the inaugurated team had already resumed operations in the Niger Delta, they were only being officially inaugurated to continue carrying out their assignments.

He said: “For the past weeks, we have been working to improve security and production of crude oil within the oil producing areas.

“Today’s inauguration is to officially announce them to the public, but they have already started working for weeks now, and the essence is for them to see how they can assist in improving the performance of all the security agencies, all the stakeholders.”

The CDS warned troops to be careful of saboteurs of the country’s assets, adding that any of them found wanting would be dealt with decisively.

“You are aware of the mandate of Mr. President, you must secure the oil producing areas; you must secure our oil facilities; you must ensure that the oil companies are able to produce maximally with a target of 2.2 million barrels per day between now and December, 2024.

“We want to encourage them not to support anyone out there that wants to sabotage these efforts, we are going to be very decisive about it and anyone caught would be prosecuted.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Team, Major General JAL Jimoh, assured that his team would leave no stone unturned in engendering improved daily production of crude and surpassing the benchmark.

Meanwhile, Fubara, has assured the collaboration of the Rivers State Government with the federal government to curb the menace of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in order to increase oil production in the country.

Fubara, disclosed this while addressing Musa and his team who paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The governor explained that a robust relationship and partnership already existed between the State government and Service Commanders in Rivers, which he said has positively paid off in the fight against pipeline vandalisation and oil theft.

He said saboteurs not only attempt to disrupt the course of delivery of critical projects and good governance but extended it to create disaffection within the thriving business climate because they do not want to see anything good reckoned with his administration.

Fubara, stated that he was not deterred by those acts because there was a stronger determination to rewrite the story and ensure that Rivers people get the best while the national economy does not suffer by what happens in the State.

The governor restated his resolve to ensure that everything goes on well by providing the needed State government’s support that will contribute to increasing crude oil production.

In his speech at the Government House, Musa, said his visit was to assess the level of implementation of their directives towards achieving the mandate of President Bola Tinubu in securing the oil producing areas, ensure that crude oil production increases.

On the inauguration of the two committees, the Defense Joint Monitoring Team and the Defense Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre – Musa said the Infusion Centre was saddled with a responsibility to harmonise all the intelligence agencies together, gather all the information, whether it deals with oil production or other acts of criminality that will help in taking direct action to ensure that there is peace.

The Chief of Defence Staff also expressed appreciation to Fubara for creating an enabling environment with his sterling leadership style. He noted that there was zero rancor which has engendered peace and security as seen in Rivers State.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara has reassured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to deliver critical infrastructure that will have direct impact on them.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance yesterday shortly after inspecting the ongoing road projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Bori in Khana Local Government Areas.

The governor,  who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, and Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Roland Obed-Whyte, expressed satis-faction with the jobs done on the various projects visited. 

He noted that the road from Kalaibiama to Epellema is to link Epellema which in the past was only accessible through water, adding that the road will bring development and address the challenges of boat mishaps along the route.

“The first one we visited was the road in my place Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. It is a project that we strongly believe that will link two communities together. We have a community called Epellema that we normally access through the river. So we thought it wise that embarking on a project that will connect Epellema to Kalaibiama will bring development and also help in saving lives of our people as a result of boat mishaps.” 

Governor Fubara, who was received at the sites in Opobo by the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja, and Senator John Mbata, stated that with the extent of work already done on the ring road, he is certain that the project will be delivered in the next three months.

He also reiterated commitment to restore Bori to its original cosmopolitan city status as conceived by the founding fathers of Rivers State, assuring completion of the 13.3 kilometers internal roads which cut across several streets in the town.

“We are in Bori now as we have been here before if you could recall when this project was stalled. We spoke to the contractor and gave him a matching order and thereafter he came back to site. We are here to see what is going on and I strongly believe that he has really done as we expected.

“It is an old city and part of our agenda is to rebuild and ensure that those original cities and ideals as planned by our founding fathers of Rivers State are brought back. I just want to assure the good people of Ogoni that this project will be completed in a couple of months and we will be here to commission it.”

He emphasised that his administration is focused on things that will touch the lives of the people, stressing that he will not limit development to roads alone, adding that hospital expansion project is ongoing and other developments that will attract businesses to create jobs.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday  paraded suspects arrested for involvement in child trafficking and other criminal acts in the state.

Parading the suspects who are mostly women at the Police Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command also arrested syndicate responsible for “One Chance” incidence in Port Harcourt and its environs.

 She explained that the child trafficking including a man and two women were arrested by operatives attached to the Ubima Divisional headquarters  for  kidnap of a year-old baby and attempted murder of the mother in a bush in the area.

Iringe-koko further revealed that the arrest followed a complaint from a middle aged woman on August  25, 2024, at about 6.35a.m, indicating that “one Queen Orlu, 20 years was seen lying unconscious in Omeka Farmland at Ucheabuor.”

She said: “Operatives immediately mobilised to the scene where the victim was met in a pool of blood with multiple injuries all over her body and her intestines protruding out of a cut on her stomach.

“Police investigations revealed that the victim was lured into a bush path at Ubima by one Polycarp Uzoma of Akwa in Ohaji LGA of Imo State, but presently resident at Ubima.

“He used a bicycle to convey her to the designated spot and then attacked her, hitting her repeatedly with a stick and a yet-to-be-identified weapon. When she became unconscious, he took her one-year-old baby boy, Desire Orlu and left her for dead,” she said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that  the baby was sold to one Happiness Amadi ‘at N1.4million, “The deal was brokered by one Chinyere Ordu, an acclaimed auxiliary nurse who received the sum of  N800,000 as part payment for the trafficking deal”, adding that three suspects have been arrested and confessed to the crime.

Iringe-koko informed that the Police have recovered the sum of Eight Hundred Thousand Naira and Bicycle as exhibits. While, “the one-year-old baby boy has been rescued and the victim is currently on admission at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.”

Also paraded were two women who confessed to journalists at the command headquarters that they are “One Chance” syndicates who specialise in luring innocent citizens to their car and later rob them of their belongings.

The police spokesperson revealed that the suspects, who were arrested on September 4, 2024, focus their operations on Garrison axis and other parts of Aba Road. They were arrested alongside their operational vehicle, a purple coloured Volkswagen Golf 3, with registration number RIVERS -ABU 738 LS with six occupants.

One of the suspects, Chinagorom Eze, told the journalists in an interview that she and her team carry on  their operations in Port Harcourt, Warri and Enugu.

Speaking on the incident, Iringe-koko said one of the suspects who engaged the police in gun battle in attempt to escape was fatally wounded.

“This heinous action heightened suspicions of the operatives who then gave the vehicle a hot chase, eventually intercepting the suspects at the Eleme junction just under the bridge.

“The driver and one other escaped, while the Police apprehended three suspects namely Thaddeus Sunday Ogu (42), a native of Orlu Community in Njaba LGA of Imo State and self acclaimed artisan, Chinagorom Eze (35) a native of Ekpija Community in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State and Favour Yusuf (30) and a native of Plateau State, all resident at Oyigbo.

“One of the suspects, Thaddeus Sunday Ogu attempted to evade arrest by opening fire on the Police operatives which led to him sustaining bodily injuries that eventually proved fatal. He was taken to the Police Clinic, Port-Harcourt where he succumbed to his injuries after receiving treatment”.

The PPRO assured the people  that the suspects and recovered exhibits in police custody, will be charged in court at the conclusion of the investigation.

•Declares emergency protocol on Onne seaport

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, has disclosed the seizure of illicit goods, including drugs and military camouflage worth N31.2billion by the Area 2 Command of the Service, Onne Port, in Rivers State.

The comptroller general disclosed this yesterday, at the Onne sea port in Eleme, while displaying the seized illegallysmuggled goods in 12  40-feet containers.

He said the seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.

Adeniyi, who expressed delight that trade facilitation was getting traction in Onne, said the repeated incidence of smuggling of illicit goods through the Port, was of grave concern to the nation’s security.

He recalled that the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu supported the re-energising of the business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow the capacity for exports.

The CGC explained that customs emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to trade facilitation and economic development, expressing regret that criminal clements in the international supply chain are exploiting the nation’s pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.

He, however, regretted that a few months after declaring state of emergency in Onne Port, the area command has seized another huge illegal drugs and other goods.

Noting that the Onne Port was increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, Adeniyi stressed that, “The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health Secondary and Tertiary, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo has called for urgent action to address Nigeria’s alarming maternal and neonatal mortality rates. 

The federal lawmaker made during a dialogue with female Commissioners of Health from across Nigeria, in Abuja .

She emphasised that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 39 deaths per 1,000 live births were unacceptable and required immediate attention.

The meeting, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health (OASP-H), aimed to discuss issues around the health of women and children in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As women leaders in health, Sen Banigo stressed their unique responsibility to save lives and improve healthcare outcomes. She urged Commissioners of Health across the country to work together to address these challenges and prioritise the health of women and children.

Banigo expressed her experience as Acting Commissioner of Health and Deputy Governor and highlight the importance of collaboration across all levels, including local governments, primary healthcare centers, states, and federal authorities. 

She encouraged the Commissioners to harness the strategic platform of their State Council of Health to drive improvement in health outcomes.

The Senator eulogies the accomplished women who have shown commitment to transforming healthcare for women and children, and expressed confidence that the ideas shared, knowledge exchanged, and strategies developed would translate into real progress, ensuring the health of women and children is protected and prioritized.

According to her, “I was truly honored to be invited as a Special Guest of Honour at this crucial dialogue with our female Commissioners of Health from across Nigeria. Being surrounded by such accomplished women, all committed to transforming healthcare for our women and children, filled me with immense pride and optimism.

“To be candid, the challenges before us are enormous. Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 39 deaths per 1,000 live births are not statistics we can accept as the norm. These figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated action. As women leaders in health, we bear a unique responsibility to reverse these trends and save countless lives.”

She advised that “As Commissioners of Health, you hold a vital position. Even though the constitution delineates responsibilities between Local Governments and our primary healthcare centers, States and their secondary health services, and the Federal Government overseeing tertiary care, the reality is that the health outcomes of your state are your responsibility”. 

She said as health authority in their various states, is essential for the Commissioners to understand that they are accountable for the entire spectrum of care.

“From my past experience as both Acting Commissioner of Health and Deputy Governor, I know firsthand how critical it is to foster collaboration across all levels. I have seen the importance of bringing all stakeholders together, including CSOs and development partners. Your position is pivotal in ensuring that everyone works together towards a common goal.

“Your State Council of Health is also a strategic platform at your disposal. It is a melting pot of diverse perspectives. I encourage you to harness this resource effectively, making it a key driver in improving health outcomes in your states”.

Banigo added that the meeting marked a significant step toward aligning their efforts across the national and sub-national levels, saying “As we move forward, I am confident that the ideas shared, the knowledge exchanged, and the strategies developed will translate into real progress, ensuring that the health of our women and children is not only protected but prioritized”.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Christoff, has revealed that the government of Canada in a bid to respond to health intervention call supported the Nigerian government with $23million in the building of oxygen plants across nine states in the country.

Christoff who made the disclosure yesterday, during his visit to the newly commissioned Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant at the General Hospital Nchia, Eleme, Rivers State, said the support was made through the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had on August 6, this year, inaugurated the 720,000 litres capacity oxygen plant  handed over to the state government by UNICEF.

The Country Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Cristain Munduate had during the inauguration of the plant, said the initiative was a follow up to the comprehensive and nationwide assessment of oxygen needs of health facilities across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

She added that the oxygen plant located in General Hospital Nchia, was built in partnership with the Federal Government, Canadian Government, Rivers State Government and IHS Towers.

Speaking further during his visit at the facility yesterday, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, noted that “the Government of Canada, UNICEF, the government of River State, and of course, the healthcare system, came together and bring effective focus and change to address shortcomings that, ultimately, if addressed, can make a real difference to the general public

“We were not able to effectively address everything that came our way. And so one of those gaps, of course, was the issue of medical oxygen. Canada decided to make a concerted effort in supporting significant funding through UNICEF to address the shortage of medical oxygen across the globe. Our nine projects across Nigeria are in part of a much larger effort to do to address similar shortages around the world”.

Christoff revealed “So it is my sincere pleasure to be here representing Canada and seeing how Canadian tax dollars really have made a difference here in Nigeria. And so the Government of Canada provided $23 million to support the building of nine facilities across Nigeria including this one and to respond to similar gaps that we have identified during our response’

He added that the achievement of the project is another example of where the Rivers government, local health authorities, community, the United Nations System are able to come together, identify a problem, put it on the table and have those from the international community respond in kind.

Earlier in her remarks, the permanent secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Mekele Igwe stated that the oxygen plant is a testament to the remarkable collaboration between the State government and its international partners, saying that “It stands as a beacon of progress and a vital resource in our quest to provide better medical care and ensure that no patient is deprived of the essential oxygen required for their treatment”.

According to Dr Igwe, “This oxygen plant fills about 135 cylinders (20-1liter bottles) in 24 hours and provides 720,000 liters of medical oxygen within the same time frame. This capacity ensures that 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 adults battling critical respiratory illnesses can receive round- the-clock oxygen treatment simultaneously”.

She explained that in a region where access to medical oxygen is often limited, the facility plays a crucial role in saving lives, improving patient outcomes, and supporting healthcare system’s overall efficacy. “It ensures that hospitals within Rivers State and the neighbouring states are better equipped to handle emergencies and provide continuous care to those in need.”

She however, appreciated the Canadian government’s commitment to fostering health innovations and its unwavering support towards strengthening healthcare systems in developing regions, stressing “Your contributions reflect a shared vision for Health for all Rivers’.

On his part, Dr Anslem Audu, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Port Harcourt, expressed the believe that the plant will deliver oxygen to both private and government facilities to ensure that any patient that needs oxygen will have it, adding that “There will be no scarcity of oxygen in Rivers state with the commissioning of the plant”.

He also acknowledged that “The funding for the establishment of this plant have been provided by the Canadian government, IHS Towers, through UNICEF and everything has been paid for and the government in their wisdom has ensured that Private Public Partnership will ensure the sustainability of the plant”. 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,  has handed over 100 operational vehicles to the state Police Command aimed at boosting the morel of officers of the command to effectively fight crime and criminality.

 This came just as  Governor Fubara has advised the officers against partisanship, urging them to  be professional in the discharge of their duties.

He noted that slide to partisan affiliations on the  part of the police, will permanently dent their ethical and professional reputation with irrevocable  scars.

He said partisan police officers who abandon their core professional responsibilities to pursue vested political interests to know that the enmity they fuel and eventually create will hurt them in the long run.

 Governor Fubara maintained that police officers are engaged and trained as professionals to protect lives and property while contributing to the desired peace in the State as a patriotic duty.

 The governor insisted that it is, therefore, an aberration for any of them to think that protecting any particular individual or being one-sided in the political affairs to the detriment of the State amounts to professionalism.

Governor Fubara gave the advice yesterday at the inauguration and formal handover of 100 operational vehicles acquired by his administration to the State Police Command, in Port Harcourt.

 “We have seen those people that were partisan, how they ended. And, I am saying it here, to every one of you that is an officer that is being partisan, you will see how you will end. So, work in such a way that when your name is mentioned in this state, or your children come to this state, you won’t be scared. This is important,” he said.

Governor Fubara urged them to forget about the current ongoing political anxiety in the state, because, according to him, nothing will last forever.

 He charged them to conduct their operations as real professionals that have been so trained so that they can be effective in the responsibility of protecting lives and property of people in Rivers State. 

 Governor Fubara said: “It is not to protect any individual. It is not to be one-sided in the political affairs of the State. Politics will come and it will go.

 “The enmity you are creating, for those of you that are partisan, will live with you forever. So, I want to advise you, I have said it before, and I am saying it again, I will never ask any of you to do what is wrong. My appeal is: stand on the ethics of your profession, protect lives and property of Rivers people. Be fair to all.”

He emphasised that his request since assumption of duty by the Commissioner of Police in the State is for the Police to protect the lives and property of Rivers people and be fair in carrying out their duties.

 “I need to say this, so that you will understand. When you (the Commissioner of Police ) came into Rivers State, and I had my encounter with you, I requested for only one thing: That I will never ask you to do what is wrong, so do what is right. Protect the lives and property of Rivers people. Don’t be partisan,” he said.

 Governor Fubara explained that what he had originally planned was to provide very high-profile vehicles to all the security agencies in the State to enhance their operational capabilities much more.

 He said: “But, the CP advised that he did it sometime in Lagos State; that we should adopt that model by acquiring these vehicles you are seeing here: the Toyota Sienna, Camry and Corolla, and I bought into the idea.

“And why are we doing this? We discovered that the response time to crime scenes; launching attacks against acts of criminality, were slow because you (police) lack mobility. 

“And what we just did was a first phase of support to the Nigerian Police. We also intend to come again to give you other sophisticated vehicles to support what you are doing,” the Governor added. 

Governor Fubara assured them  that as a state government, his administration will continue to support the police because, as he put it, they are worthy friends to have since criminals cannot be friends to covet. 

 In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the event as a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment towards achieving safety and security of the State.

 Disu expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unwavering support to the State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, which has translated in their dedication to serving the welfare of the various communities.

 He said: “I stand before you filled with gratitude as we gather to commission these 100 vehicles, a generous donation from our esteemed Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

 “This act of generosity, not only enhances our operational capacity, but also reflects your deep concern for the citizens of the State.

 “These vehicles will empower our officers, enabling them to respond more swiftly and effectively to emergencies, and enhance our community policing efforts. With your support Sir, we are reinforcing our resolve to combat crime and uphold the rule of law,” Disu added.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

 A Nigerian marine company, Epenal Group, has expressed delight as it partners the Defence Ministry of Equatorial Guinea for the provision of gunboats and other services to aid their marine operations.

The Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Epenal Group, Mr. Numo Lele Aaron, stated this yesterday when the Vice Minister of National Security of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Fortunato Nsue, led other members of his team to the company’s corporate office and show house in Port Harcourt, River State.

Aaron said for the government of the West African nation to form partnership with a Nigerian firm means that they are comfortable with the gunboats and other marine gadgets built by the company.

He said: “Members of the Equatorial Guinean delegation are here because they have seen what we are doing and they are in love with it.” 

“We produce boats of different kinds and other marine equipment.

“For the Government of Equatorial Guinea to come to Epenal Group shows that Nigeria can do things even better than some of the people who bring things here to us from outside the country,” he stated.

He, however, called on the government to partner more local producers to boost the Nigerian economy, saying that: “Now you can see that we can produce this things; we are employing people and boosting the Nigerian economy.”

Speaking on how the partner engaged Epenal, Aaron explained that:  “They have seen our activities with the Nigeria Navy so they decided to come and see for themselves and today they have decided to acquire this boats from us. They are here for business and we are also making Nigeria proud in the comity of nations.”

Aaron added: “Equatorial Guinea are here which shows that we are not just producing for Nigeria alone but we are going to West Africa and Central Africa.”

Earlier, leader of the Equatorial Guinea delegation, Fortunato Nsue, said they are happy with the reception by the Nigerian company and facilities they have seen on ground.

Nsue, who spoke through an interpreter, said they were sent by the government to inspect facilities and equipment at the company, expressing delight that a Nigerian firm can manufacture military gunboats and other marine equipment.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to curb pirates attacking boat operators and sea travellers on sea routes in the state, warning that his administration would not tolerate any kind of criminal activities in the state.

The governor made the vow yesterday, when he received a delegation of the Rivers Commercial District of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), at the Government House.

The union had visited the governor to formally draw the attention of government to their plight and seek immediate intervention.

Fubara reassured the commitment of his administration to the security of lives and property of all residents, indigenes and non-indigenes alike in the state.

Fubara, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, commended delegate for performing their civic obligation by reporting criminality in their places of business to the authority.

He reiterated that his administration was deeply interested in ensuring proper policing of every part of the State, which was why, he explained that the state government has placed priority on peace, security of lives and property of residents.

“The security of human beings and their property is one singular agenda of government that this governor has never joked with, and he is willing to do anything, even for the umpteenth time, to ensure that it is provided.

“The governor is interested in proper policing of our state. But, you know the community policing that you hear about; people think that it is for us to form police in communities. No.

“Every person here is a community police. Whatever you see, you report, and whatever you think that is not very right, you give information to the right places. So, what you have done now is a civic responsibility, and I want to tell you that it will not be taken lightly,” he assured.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chairman, Host Communities Committee at the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Deekor, has called for the operationalisation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure development and lasting peace in Niger Delta region.

This came as the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has embarked on stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at building and creating wider awareness for the speedy implementation of the PIA.

Speaking at an event titled “Bridges Project: Host Community Development Trust (HCDTs) dialogue and experience sharing forum”, organised by PIND in collaboration with Ford Foundation, in Port Harcourt, Deekor noted that the operationalisation of the PIA is slow.

Deekor, who is representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency at the House of Reps, urged impacted communities to take advantage of the opportunity as provided in the PIA to develop their areas.  

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the programme, Deekor said: “The operationalisation  of the PIA is very slow. With a lot more of awareness, getting the people to understand what it is, then we will get better”.

He added: “Companies need to up their game. NUPRC is doing well. We believe they will do better. Once the companies are able to live up to their expectations and some of the communities need also to move very fast because we are saying this Development Trust must be put in place. But we found out in some communities they are not ready because of the issues of leadership.”

Deekor explained “We are the committee that is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that there is implementation of the  three  per cent funds as provided in the act which all companies must comply. When we say the PIA should be operational, it means it should be brought out of that law and on the ground so that everybody will see it. We want to see development.” 

Also in an interview with journalists, the Executive Director of PIND, Mr Tunji Idowu, said after 15 years  of engagement with government, civil societies and private sectors, the foundation was able to achieve proven development models in Niger Delta, ensuring peace and stability in the region.

According to Idowu “We came up with the Bridges project to bring partners and stakeholders together from the public and Private sectors to begin to look at how people will work and implement the PIA. 

“As has been said today, this is the pioneer collaborative platform for discussion to fill those gaps, create awareness, build capacity so that community dwellers can take up their destiny in their hands and regulators can be aware of issues and concerns and people can partner together.” 

On some of the challenges in achieving the implementation of the PIA, Idowu stressed:”Lack of awareness is the first challenge that was with evidence. Understanding of what the Petroleum Industry Act is all about community dwellers unlike the oil and gas companies, legislators or regulator, didn’t pay attention. They didn’t follow 20 years of the bill to understand what it was. At the time some of them tried, there were multiple version, they could not  separate the fake from the truth.”

Programme Officer, National Resource in Climate Change and Ford Foundation, Emmanuel Kuyole, in his remarks, explained how the organisation supported the functionality of PIA.

Kuyole said: “We supported the work around the PIA and we are presently interested on the Chapter 3 which deals with Host Communities Development Trust Fund. Our interest has been to work with partners like PIND to ensure that the HCDT don’t remain on paper but actually established and operationalise so that development can get to the communities whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by the extraction of oil and gas.” 

On his part, Chairman, Multi-Stakeholder Platform under the Bridges Project, Prof.  Femi Ajibola, expressed joy seeing the enthusiasm on the part of the HCDTs that were part of the platform.

“I see a  willingness for them to learn. It has been an opportunity to really understand the PIA and their role in the PIA. We have also had an opportunity to cross fertilization of ideas in terms of how to implement the PIA.

“There is a recognition that this is an  opportunity for real development to take place in the Niger Delta the resources are available but the attitude have to be right. I really think that we need to make an effort to get our people to understand what the PIA is all about. We need to understand the modalities of implementing it, what are the different roles,” Prof Ajibola added.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

A political pressure group under the aegis of Simplicity Movement, has threatened to resist an alleged plan by the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, over his long political battle with the 27 lawmakers of the state House of Assembly.

The group gave the warning yesterday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, on the alleged plot.

Spokesperson of the Simplicity Movement, Kelly Rufus who led the briefing on behalf of the group, said the plot if allowed has the potential to destabilise the ongoing progress and peace in the state.

Rufus alleged that the moves are being made by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, warning that any plot to remove Governor Fubara is not just an attack on him as an individual, but an attack on the will of the people of Rivers State. 

He said: “The recent accusations brought forward by opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives indicate a calculated attempt to weaken the PDP from within by collaborating with some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“These actions, if true, represent a betrayal of the trust reposed in the PDP leadership by millions of Nigerians who look to the party to provide purposeful opposition to the government of the day, whose policies seem out of sync with the well-being of the generality of Nigerians.

“We cannot stand idly by while a few individuals, driven by personal ambitions, attempt to derail the progress and development of our state. Governor Fubara was elected by the people of Rivers State to serve, bring about positive change, and deliver the dividends of good governance. His mandate is sacred, and any attempt to subvert it is an affront to democracy itself.

“We are particularly troubled by reports that Damagum and Anyanwu are allegedly opposing the efforts of the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, who is working to ensure that the sacked pro-Wike 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC do not undermine the legal standing of the PDP in a high-profile court case.”

The group stated that a Rivers State High Court has already issued an ex parte order restraining the lawmakers from interacting with key state officials, stating they any move to weaken the legal standing would be a direct threat to the stability of the state.

“We must also address the actions of the immediate past Governor, Nyesom Wike, who is clearly seen as the one spearheading these sinister moves to oust Governor Fubara after losing his grip on the governor. 

“There is no gainsaying that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees a maximum tenure of eight years in office for a state governor. Any attempt to extend one’s influence beyond this provision is not only unconstitutional but also an insult to the democratic process.”

Rufus said, “If Minister Wike wanted to extend his tenure beyond eight years during his time as governor, he had ample opportunity to amend the constitution. But any attempt now to continue ruling the state by proxy is not only impractical but will also be met with fierce resistance.”

The group, however, “call on all those involved in fomenting trouble in the state to put aside their personal interests and consider the greater good of our state. Rivers State is on a path of growth and development, and we will not allow anyone to derail us from this path.”.

They further urged the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), who recently visited Governor Fubara, not to stop at visiting the governor, but should take concrete steps to reaffirm the governor’s rightful place as the leader of the PDP in the state and restore confidence in the party as the leading opposition in Nigeria. 

“This is critical in maintaining the unity and strength of the party in the face of these challenges. The BoT should also use its position as the conscience of the party to ensure that the National Working Committee sanctions the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for their unholy alliance with Wike and his unlawful scribes and Pharisees, who are bent on causing political Armageddon in Rivers State.”

The group solicited President Bola Tinubu’s renewed intervention, saying the president should call the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to order for the alleged peace and political stability in the state.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, call the FCT Minister to order and advise him to focus on his assigned responsibilities in FCT Abuja. His continued distractions towards Governor Fubara have far-reaching implications on the economic contributions of Rivers State to the country, as no meaningful economic activity can thrive in a chaotic atmosphere. 

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has shown an unparalleled capacity to govern Rivers State with notable achievements in the past few months he has truly held sway as an independent governor of Rivers State. 

But moreso, Rivers people are bound to reap much more landmark development under Sir Siminalayi Fubara in a more stable political atmosphere devoid of these unwarranted distractions being masterminded by the FCT Minister.”

Rufus added that “Rivers State belongs to the people, and the people have chosen Governor Siminalayi Fubara to lead them. Any attempt to remove him from office is an attempt to silence the voice of the people, and this we cannot and will not allow. We, the people of Rivers State, will rise to the occasion when real signs of such an attempt are made.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Indigenous oil company, Lekoil and Gas Limited, in collaboration with its JV partners, Green Energy International Limited has awarded developmental contracts to three of its host communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The contracts, which are in line with the provisions of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for oil companies to set aside 3% of its profit for the development of host communities, include internal road projects, completion of town hall building project, construction of culvert and scholarship and bursary schemes from primary to postgraduate levels in Ukama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities respectively.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the contract signing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Thursday, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ukama Ekede, Ayama Ekere, Asukama, Asukoyet Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDT), Asuk Sampson, stated that the contracts were selected in consultation with the communities.

He said: “What happened today is the manifestation of a series of activities from the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act. Immediately after the signing, Green Energy International Limited and its technical partners, Lekoil and Oil Services Nigeria Limited, in consultation with the communities and in line with the PIA engaged the communities to identify their needs.

“The needs were identified and were incorporated into the communities development plan of the four communities. From then, we started working in the boardroom trying to put things together. Today is actually the manifestation of those things that we did long time ago. 

“Today is the signing and award of contracts. Those projects that communities have identified as their needs, that we see as interventions that could be achieved, that could be given to the communities for the improvement of their lives is what we have just done.”

Asuk stated that the contract award went through a competitive bidding process, pointing out that the contracts were awarded to local contractors in line with the PIA Act and further to drive economic development in the communities. 

He also revealed that no contract was awarded for Ayama Ekere community because the money in the pool was not enough to execute the 1.4 kilometres of road project nominated by them. 

Asuk said that each community currently has N84 million in its pool, adding that the community has been directed to chose another project that can be executed within the available resources. 

“There are four communities in the HCDT. Quite unfortunately, the contract today are for three communities because yesterday we engaged the other community to tell them that the project they actually want the resources in the pool will not be enough to executive 1.4 kilometre road which runs into over N700 million. 

“We engaged them to tell them that they should go home and in consultation with the board identify other needs. Now for the other three communities, Ukama Ekede has two projects, the contract for implementation of scholarships scheme and bursary from primary school to post-graduate levels. The other project is the construction of about one kilometre link road to Ukama Ekede.

“The next community, Asukama, has three projects. They have a town hall that they have been on for a while now. So we are awarding contract to enable the completion of that project. They also have a cross culvert that will link the two segments of the community together,” he said.

Asuk also listed scholarship and bursary for their youths and children from primary to post graduate levels. 

“The other community is Asukoyet where we awarded contract for internal roads of about one kilometre. Those were the projects we awarded today.

“The PIA also advocated for local content. So the award of contracts to local contractors was, one, in compliance with the local content, two, for development. Everybody needs opportunity to develop. So this contractors that were selected today, may be at the end of the execution of these contracts, some of them must have learnt a lot to improve on their capacity to deliver in the future.

“We are having a time frame of about three months for the execution of the projects. Each of the communities has about N84 million to its credit for the execution of their projects,” he stated.

On his part, the Base Manager, Lekoil and Gas Limited, Mr Chris Okoli, expressed the commitment of the company and its JV partners to work with the communities in line with the provisions of the PIA. 

He also solicited the assistance of the leadership of the communities to prevail on their youths to avoid sabotaging their operations.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry, Dr. William Kumuyi, has tasked Nigerian leaders to look beyond self in order to work for the good of the generality of the people.

Kumuyi spoke at the closing session of the Global Change Conference organised by the Change Makers International (CMI), in Port Harcourt, Rivers on Tuesday.

Kumuyi, who spoke on the topic: “Instructive Pictures of Changemakers Leadership,” illustrated leaders as Shepherd, Salt, Sun, Superior Seer, Servant, Supportive Staff and Selfless Soldier.

The clergy emphasised that leaders must interact with the people so as to know their problems and solve them.

He also stated that leaders must be courageous, visionary, take actions at the right time, be problem solvers, and be a light for others to follow.

He said: “The shepherd knows it has sheep, he has people he’s governing, he has people he’s providing for, he has people he’s leading.

“Whenever we are talking about change, we’re not just talking about people who are not decision makers, the people who are not having salt, the people who are not having spring of the water.

“Leaders don’t pray for enemies to perish because all those ones we’re calling enemies, we’re also to take care of them. But if they are enemies of God and they fight God, that’s between them and God.

“When God sends you to a position of power, a position of authority where you can make a definite change but you are blind, it will be dangerous for the rest of the people you are leading.”

He, therefore expressed optimism that the conference will bring about the needed change within participation and the country at large.

“We’ve started a good thing and that good thing is going all over the globe. This project that comes up now, will continue through you,” he stated.

Earlier in his speech, the State Governor, Mr. Siminilayi Fubara, thanked Kumuyi and the organisers of the event for the initiative.

Fubara, represented by the Rivers State Head of Service, Hon George Nweke, noted the significance of the conference.

He said: “The theme for this conference resonates deeply, especially in a world that is continuously evolving and facing challenges that demands our collective action. Today I invite us all to reflect on our roles as men in driving positive change.

“It is our responsibility to be a catalyst for social impact, leading by example in our families, communities, work places and wherever we are. In Rivers State we recognize the power of men’s involvement in promoting progress whether through community service, mentorship or advocating for social change.

“We believe that when men take action, they inspire others. I pray for the ripple effect of positive change globally; we have seen how men can lead initiatives that uplift communities from fighting poverty to enhancing education and health. It is these examples that we must emulate to create a more equitable and tolerant society.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has threatened that his members would not participate in the local government election scheduled to hold on October 5, 2024 in the state.

The caretaker committee chairman of the APC, who said the LG election would not hold in the state, disclosed that recently his position was renewed by the National Working Committee (NWC), adding that his tenure would expire on December 5, 2024.

Okocha also announced that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not participate in the said election if it eventually held.

The APC CTC chairman spoke yesterday while addressing an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The meeting was attended by leading members of the party in the state, including it’s former Chairman, Ojukaye Amachree and Senator Wilson Ake, amongst others.

While insisting that the party in the state would no longer allow itself to de dragged into the opposition, Okocha accused the Emeka Beke-led faction of the party of working in synergy with the state government to oust the committee.

“Our caretaker committee was to stay for six months and after the expiration of the six months, the National Working Committee extended our stay for another six months. So, we will be in the saddle of Rivers APC leadership until December 5, 2024.

“We are not part of the decision for an election in October. We are in court and we cannot discuss what is before the court. That October 5 election will not work. They cannot go on to conduct such election without a party like APC. I heard that PDP is also not participating in the election,” he said.

•Says Nigeria loses future without the state 

•We’re genuine members of PDP here, gov boasts

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wagbara, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,for his patience and maturity in handling the political crisis in the state.

This came as Fubara has insisted that he and his supporters were the genuine members of PDP in the state.

Wabara made the commendation, yesterday, when he led members of the BoT on a courtesy visit to Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the BoT chairman thanked Fubara for the warmth reception given his members, saying the visit was to bolster peace and unity of the PDP in the state.

He explained that the BoT, as the elders and conscience of the party was genuinely concerned about media hype over the position of the PDP in Rivers, while assuring that contending issues will be constitutionally addressed to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We, the Board of this party came here in search of peace and unity of the Peoples Democratic Party. We have been reading all kinds of things on the pages of newspapers and on the internet for those who are internet savvy. But we as the elders of this party decided to come and hear from the horses mouth.

“First of all, we want to thank you for still being there because this party should not be allowed to die. And for that very reason, I am thanking you on behalf of my colleagues and as you can see, it is not from one geopolitical zone. We are well-represented nationally.

“We were scared when we read or heard speculations, perceptions and what have you, that the party if we are not careful might lose Rivers State and of course, if we lose Rivers State, then Nigeria has lost the future. We don’t  want what happened in 2015 and 2023 to repeat itself.

“These men and women you see here are very neutral but as the conscience of the party we must go by the rule of law and anything you do going by the rule of law can never be wrong. It may be delayed but it can never be wrong.

“We know you are caring for this party and that is why you have been so patient all along to take all the invectives, otherwise as a governor, we have former governors here, I doubt if they would have taken that much.”

Speaking, Fubara said contrary to propaganda over the uncertainty of his membership of the PDP, he and his teeming supporters remain the genuine members of the party in the state.

He said the visit of the BoT had put to rest, the falsehood peddled by some quarters over his membership of the party.

“I want to thank you for taking all the troubles to come to Rivers State to see the governor and the supporters of the party genuinely. We that are here are the undiluted members of the PDP.

“Today, I am happy that you are with us here to discuss the issue of Rivers State and I want to assure members of our party, genuine members of the PDP that are here with us that this is another hope to show that standing by the party is not a wrong decision.

“This visit is for one purpose: what is the problem, how did it start or would I say what led to it and how did it degenerate to what it is today? I will prefer that when we go to the executive session, I will then discuss it.

“I am very conscious of the importance of information. I know that a lot of information is flying here and there but I know that whatever I have said anywhere I will still maintain it. What I have said in Abuja, is the same thing I say in Port Harcourt.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers State, Mr. George Mfongang has decried the rate of mass exodus of Nigerian graduate youths in search of greener pastures abroad especially through illegal means, describing it as “alarming and worrisome.”

Mfongang expressed his dismay over the trend when he received in his office, the Rivers State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nwamaka Ikediashi, on a courtesy visit, yesterday.

The NYSC state coordinator who described Nigeria as “a great country with great potentials for her graduate youths”, called on leaders and citizens alike to be patriotic, disciplined, honest and selfless in all they do in order to make the country work better and become prosperous for all citizens.

Reacting to the request by the NAPTIP boss to be allowed to sensitise corps members on the dangers of illegal migration during orientation camps, Mfongang advised that such request be channeled to NYSC headquarters through NAPTIP headquarters.

He said this will enable the sensitisation be benefit to all corps members in camp nationwide as part of their orientation timetable.

Earlier, the State Commander, NAPTIP, Nwamaka Ikediashi, informed the coordinator that the visit was to seek collaboration with the scheme in sensitising corps members on the dangers of illegal migration especially among graduate youths.

She explained that “NAPTIP management did resolve to engage in a strategic partnership with the NYSC Scheme to speak to hearts and consciences of corps members to dissuade them from illegal migration and its attendant hazards”.

Ikediashi condemned the activities of fake agencies and agents who hoodwink young graduate youths into believing that they will help them with good jobs and good life abroad, only to turn the unsuspecting youths into prostitution, drug peddling, slave labor and even, harvesting of their organs.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Evans Bipi, has awarded bursary to over 400 undergraduates of the local government in tertiary institutions across the country. 

The beneficiaries who are indigenes of the area, were drawn from over 16 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of health sciences. They constitute the first batch of the bursary scheme by the chairman. 

The gesture which is anchored on the policy of the caretaker chairman on education development, aims to promote academic excellence; ease the financial burden of tertiary education on parents and guardians; and reduce the rate of school dropouts by indigent students of Ogu/Bolo LGA. 

The disbursement of the bursary to the students is an intervention to salvage the effect of the current economic crunch in the country where school authorities are in dire straits to maintain the standard of education, while parents and guardians struggle financially to sustain the education of their children and wards in higher institutions. 

Bipi had in his inaugural speech, expressed  commitment to the welfare of the student community, just as he has earlier promised robust youth development policy of empowering young people with education and skills development to enable them reach their full potential.

Bipi said he considered bursary payment as a valuable investment in the future leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA and a deliberate step towards securing the future of young people. 

He said it is a way of alleviating financial hardship faced by students of the area in tertiary institutions, thereby easing the financial burden on their families.

The Secretary of the Bursary Committee and former vice-chairman of the council, Christy Tamunobereton-ari, commended the caretaker chairman for alleviating the plight of the students in tertiary institutions going through financial difficulties in their academic pursuit at this challenging time. 

She stated that the move shows that the caretaker chairman is attuned and sensitive to the plight of the student community. 

The Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Ogu/Bolo Caretaker Chairman, Tamuno-Opubo Eretoru, described the gesture as a timely safety net to the students and a testament of the chairman’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in the area. 

Beneficiaries of the bursary scheme that spoke with journalists during the verification exercise at the council, said it was the first time in their academic pursuit of benefitting from such financial support from the Local Government Council. 

They expressed delight and thanked Bipi for the gesture, while promising to channel the funds to the intended purpose. 

The verification exercise for continuation of the bursary payment to the second batch of undergraduates is expected to commence soon. 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Evans Bipi, has awarded bursary to over 400 undergraduates of the local government in tertiary institutions across the country. 

The beneficiaries who are indigenes of the area, were drawn from over 16 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of health sciences. They constitute the first batch of the bursary scheme by the chairman. 

The gesture which is anchored on the policy of the caretaker chairman on education development, aims to promote academic excellence; ease the financial burden of tertiary education on parents and guardians; and reduce the rate of school dropouts by indigent students of Ogu/Bolo LGA. 

The disbursement of the bursary to the students is an intervention to salvage the effect of the current economic crunch in the country where school authorities are in dire straits to maintain the standard of education, while parents and guardians struggle financially to sustain the education of their children and wards in higher institutions. 

Bipi had in his inaugural speech, expressed  commitment to the welfare of the student community, just as he has earlier promised robust youth development policy of empowering young people with education and skills development to enable them reach their full potential.

Bipi said he considered bursary payment as a valuable investment in the future leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA and a deliberate step towards securing the future of young people. 

He said it is a way of alleviating financial hardship faced by students of the area in tertiary institutions, thereby easing the financial burden on their families.

The Secretary of the Bursary Committee and former vice-chairman of the council, Christy Tamunobereton-ari, commended the caretaker chairman for alleviating the plight of the students in tertiary institutions going through financial difficulties in their academic pursuit at this challenging time. 

She stated that the move shows that the caretaker chairman is attuned and sensitive to the plight of the student community. 

The Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Ogu/Bolo Caretaker Chairman, Tamuno-Opubo Eretoru, described the gesture as a timely safety net to the students and a testament of the chairman’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in the area. 

Beneficiaries of the bursary scheme that spoke with journalists during the verification exercise at the council, said it was the first time in their academic pursuit of benefitting from such financial support from the Local Government Council. 

They expressed delight and thanked Bipi for the gesture, while promising to channel the funds to the intended purpose. 

The verification exercise for continuation of the bursary payment to the second batch of undergraduates is expected to commence soon.