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PIB: Amaechi Urges Urgent NASS Action; Swears In New Obio/Akpor Caretaker …Opens Anglican Synod, Tomorrow
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has charged the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee not to delay in passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which has suffered serious setbacks on the floor of the National Assembly.
Governor Amaechi who gave the charge last Monday when the committee led by its Chairman, Hon. Ishaka Bawa visited him at Government House, Port Harcourt lamented that six years after the bill was sent to the National Assembly, it had not been passed into law.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi noted that “anyone who hears about the PIB and the fact that it has been on the table of the National Assembly or between the Federal Government and the National Assembly for well over six years now from the time it commenced will be thoroughly worried.
I say worried because 80 per cent of our total revenue comes from the oil sector,” pointing out that “as far as we are concerned, the oil sector where our revenue comes from should also be where our major jobs should come from”.
The governor further observed, “we as a people are not players in the oil industry, something must be thoroughly wrong,” the governor, who is also Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), stated that “a bill of this nature should not stay more than one or two months wherever it finds itself,” asserting that due to the importance of the bill, it should be given accelerated attention.
“It is so important, it goes to the heart of this country, it goes to the heart of the economy of this country and for a bill that is at the heart of the economy of this country, for a bill that we all depend on to be wobbling over and over, it simply means that perhaps we have missed our direction as a people,” he observed.
He, therefore, urged the committee members to expedite action considering the importance of the bill, lamenting that the “country has been producing crude oil for almost sixty years but still imports petrol to run its vehicle, imports kerosene to light its stove, imports diesel to run its factories. It is amazing that the people whose backyard where these things are taken every day still live in absolute penury and nobody is worried,” encouraging them to “expedite action on the bill and allow your name to be written eventually in gold as it concerns the economy of this country”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, who is also the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ishaka Bawa, told the Governor that they were in the State to give the people the opportunity to make critical inputs into the process of passing the PIB into law, noting that “instead of having discussions on the PIB only on the floor of the House, we decided to bring it to the open and offer Nigerians the opportunity to make inputs into the process,” assuring that “the decision of Nigerians will prevail at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Chairman, House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Mr Ishaka Bawa, has called for public participation in law making.
Bawa, who made the call at the opening of the zonal public hearing on the proposed PIB organised by the committee last Monday in Port Harcourt, said public input is crucial to legislative actions.
The chairman said the House resolved to simultaneously organise public hearings in the six geo-political zones of the country to provide an opportunity for Nigerians to express their opinions on the bill.
Bawa said the bill, when passed into law, would address the various irregularities in the oil and gas industry.
“Corruption, indiscipline, strange criminalities such as bunkering and vandalism have assumed unacceptable proportions in the industry,” he said.
The lawmaker said the public hearing would provide an opportunity for stakeholders, civil society groups and host communities to offer advice and make constructive inputs to provisions of the bill.
Member, Rivers State Economic Council, Prof. Fubara Dagogo, who read the address of the state government, flayed the Federal Government’s policies of the Petroleum Trust Fund.
According to him, the fund had yet to give adequate attention to the host communities who suffer the impact of oil exploration by the oil companies.
Dagogo decried the high cost of petroleum products in rural and host communities.
“As soon as you leave Port Harcourt city to our localities, you get petroleum products three times the price in Port Harcourt and this is unhealthy for our rural dwellers,” he added.
He advised the Federal Government to ensure that pipelines were connected to the rural areas to stabilise the cost of petroleum products in the country.
Dagogo also said that to stop gas flaring in the country, penalties on gas flaring should be made 10 times higher than what it is now.
He said the step, if taken, would encourage oil companies to work out modalities for a better alternative to gas flaring.
Dagogo also urged the Federal Government to include science and technology in its transformation agenda, saying that no country could develop by relaying 100 per cent on imported products.
Public Relations Officer of the Bonny Kingdom Study Group, Mr Alfred Alison, said that in as much as the host communities were expected to suffer some hazards of development, they should not be neglected.
“Oil and gas activities have impacted much on the communities, if you flare gas in Bonny and pay fines to the federation account, how then does host communities benefit from the penalties.
“You cannot flare gas and pay fines into the federation account and those from the Niger Delta region begin to share whatever that is there with those who are not suffering from the activities of oil exploration.”
Alison called on the government to respect and involve host communities in determining who should benefit from the penalties on gas flaring.
In another development, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has sworn-in a new seven member Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council with a charge to them to conduct the affairs of the council with prudence and dilligence..
Amaechi gave the charge through the Secretary to State Government, Mr. George Feyii who swore-in the caretaker committee members in Government House, shortly after they were screened by the State House of Assembly yesterday in Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi called on members of the committee to exhibit high sense of dilligence in carrying out their assigned responsibilities, and urged them to display behaviour worthy of public trust by ensuring that council resources are utilised judiciously.
“We justify the confidence reposed in you by giving you this appointment to show diligence and manage the resources of the local government with every sense of responsibility,” he said.
“You do not have the freedom to conduct yourselves in a way that will not be befitting of the responsibility that has been placed on you. And we have confidence that you will do that, and the best way you can do that is to conduct yourselves positively. I congratulate you all in your new appointment as caretaker committee of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council,’’ he further remarked.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dike David Chikordi has dissolved all standing committees of the council, expressing assurance that new committees would be constituted in no distant time.
Chikordi assured the people of Obio/Akpor that he would continue to promote the vision of Governor Amaechi to ensure dividends of democracy in the LGA, and promised to inject new blood in the effective management of the council to achieve desired results.
Members the Caretaker Committee are Dike David Chikordi as Chairman, Yellow Ernest Ogbonda as Vice-Chairman, Ihunwo Ovunda, Wogu Chima, Ejims Chinkweru, Stanley Ehoro and Friday Owhor Kinikanwo as members.
Earlier, the Rivers State House of Assembly had screened Mr Chikodi Dike, Ernest Ogbondah, Chimkweru Ejims, Ovunda Ihunwo, Stanley Ehoro, Owhor Kinika and Chima Worgu as members of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Caretaker Committee.
It would be recalled that the inauguration of the caretaker committee followed a resolution of the state Assembly that suspended the elected chairman, Prince Timothy Nsirim and his councilors last Monday.
Meanwhile, the second session of the 21st Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta Anglican Communion will kick off tomorrow at the St Michael’s Anglican Church, Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
The theme of this year’s Synod, “Go and Make Disciples,” is expected to be declared open by the state governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, and would last four days.
A statement by the Diocesan Communicator, Sir Olu Fubara said the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rt Rev Ralph Ebirien was expected, among other activities lined up to present the presidential address and Bishop’s charge and preside over the launching of the synod report.
The Synod will be rounded off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the St Michael’s Anglican Church , Buguma, and a sermon by the Bishop of Ohaji-Egbema Diocese, Rt Rev Chidi Okparajiaku.
The Synod is a forum where the Diocese review its activities in the past, present and future.
A crowd of Rivers women praying to God to intervene in the recent Abuja High Court judgement against the Chief Godpower Ake-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive in Port Harcourt last Monday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.