Featured
Dangers Of ‘Kpo-Fire’ Kerosene
The Nigerian masses have been known to develop such degree of docility and resilience which makes it possible for them to tolerate all kinds of injustices and indignities, without strong resistance. Such state of mind and attitude of submission to oppressive conditions are left-over effects of slavery and militarism, which Nigerians had experienced as historical realities. Responses to such human abuses include superficial aggressiveness and braggadocio, known colloquially as “gra-gra”. But behind such superficiality usually lies some fear and weakness.
Studies in historical abuse of the human psyche always point to the fact that application of fear and the bestiality of power, can turn humans to become submissive animals. Probably the long-term price which the people of former Eastern Nigeria had to pay for rebellion is “Plucking of their wings, to tame their arrogance and pride”. That statement about “Plucking” of wings was actually made in a “signal” by a hero of the Nigerian Civil War, who is still alive today.
Therefore, examining issues connected with the “kpo-fire” phenomenon would require bringing in elements of illegal refineries, pipe-line vandalisation and militancy associated with oil-producing zones in Nigeria. The venom of the Nigerian Civil War is not quite over in the minds of some people, neither is the Army signal about plucking wings to tame pride and arrogance, erased in the minds of some people.
To say that conflicts are not over, until they are properly resolved, to the satisfaction of all the parties involved, cannot be a hate speech. Neither would it be wrong to remind Nigerians that late Senator Francis Ellah resigned as a Senator based on sound democratic principle. In the first 10 years after the end of “Biafra” issue, there were whisperings that a “war indemnity” or some subtle form of penalty was tactfully imposed on certain section of the country. Senator Francis Ellah’s Unfinished Motion and his resignation as a Senator had to do with suppression of the idea of war indemnity. Were we not told that there was no victor or vanquished?
Hypocrisy and corruption are among the viruses which destroy the integrity of nations. Even though no one has raised the issue of an intercepted signal pointing towards definite policies. All may be fair in war situation, and fair may befoul and foul fair among witches and perhaps politicians, such aberrations have their left-over effects.
A research student trying to investigate the genesis of “419” or stealing by tricks in Nigeria pointed fingers at “policies which sought to stifle the economic survival” of certain people after the Nigerian Civil War. Big effects usually arise from small causes which may be intended to spite an opponent. Thus, when we heat the furnace so hot for our enemies, we may single ourselves at the end. Obviously when people are pushed to the wall in a clever way they react cleverly!
What is referred to in this article as “kpo-fire” kerosene is an adulterated and dangerous fuel derived from illegal refineries of crude oil in crude manner. Varieties of such adulterated kerosene are commonly found in oil-producing communities in Southern parts of Nigeria. People who engage in such illegal and crude refining activities are usually jobless youths and adults looking for ways and means to survive in a ruthless economy. For a long time, those involved in the production of dangerous fuel have been having a running battle with security agencies. Have Niger Delta people been treated fairly?
It would even be more dangerous if one should make a public revelation of findings derived from private investigations in this matter. The possibility of mutual understanding, collaboration, cooperation and profit-sharing cannot be ruled out between the “hunted and the hunter”. Neither is the crude way of burning crude refineries and their illegal products, a better alternative to the danger of “kpo-fire” kerosene.
The more those operators of illegal refineries are chased about be security agencies, the more scarce and higher the prices of the products. Currently, one large bottle of “kpo-fire” kerosene sells for N300, a price which varies according to the hazards associated with the production and smuggling network. Neither can original and genuine kerosene be found easily to buy as an alternative to the dangerous one. Experiences of many families with “kpo-fire” are not exposed.
The culture of product adulteration in Nigeria has taken on the status of a plague, such that everything genuine and original is quickly corrupted and debased. It has become quite difficult to differentiate between a genuine product and a fake one, the same way it is to tell which Nigerian is honest or crooked. Search for desperate means of survival in a harsh economy force many Nigerians into engaging in sharp and unethical practices. Greed for profit may not be responsible for acts of desperation and illegality. Game of survival can be ruthless; it devolves around oil and gas.
Dangers of “kpo-fire” kerosene go beyond domestic fire outbreak, but also include health hazards arising from inhalation of soot. Economically, users of “kpo-fire” kerosene complain that it burns out faster and also generates heat and smoke. Since it is not properly refined, “kpo-fire” kerosene poses other dangers too. The NNPC and other relevant agencies can bring succour by ensuring that genuine kerosene is easily available for the public to buy. Dealers in cooking gas have been known to add to the misery of the masses by cheating in various ways. There are complaints of water mixed in gas.
Rather than make more and more laws in Nigeria, including one on hate speech, available laws should be enforced with firmness and justice. Nigerians would rise up and embrace patriotism if those who lead them are seen to set the pace and live by examples rather than precepts. Who are the users of “kpo-fire” kerosene if not the poor masses? It can’t find any way to the homes of our rulers.
Bright Amirize
Featured
Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
Featured
LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.