Niger Delta
Foundation Raises Concerns On Stolen Oil Vessels destruction
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has raised serious concerns over the manner vessels of stolen crude oil are being destroyed in Nigeria without recourse to the environment and human lives.
The Executive Director of HOMEF, Mr Nnimmo Bassey, who raised the concern in a statement issued in Benin on Saturday by Kome Odhomor, Media/Communication Lead of the foundation, said the action did not conform with international best practices.
“Oil theft in Nigeria is an organised crime and a huge industry with local and international collaborators involved in the illegal deal.
“It has historical roots which has taken different dimensions and is manifesting in several forms, some of which had been covered until recently.
“With the recent destruction of a vessel containing stolen crude oil, it is rather shocking to note that the continuous cry of pollution made by Nigerians has evaded the attention of the leadership of the Joint Task Force (JTK) of the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd”, he said.
Though, the JTF justified the vessel’s destruction as a warning to those involved in oil theft and an attempt to discourage such activities, the HOMEF director noted, however, that the bombing of the vessel merely signalled authorities’ indifference to the safety of the people and the environment.
The renowned environmentalist drew attention to the already dire conditions in the Niger Delta due to gas flaring, oil spills and other forms of pollution.
The destruction of the seized vessel, he noted, would worsen the environmental degradation.
He called for an urgent investigation into the incident, questioning the motivation behind blowing up a vessel carrying 800,000 barrels of crude oil and causing significant environmental damage.
According to him, the catastrophic consequences of that act are so huge such that a single drop of crude oil can contaminate 25 litres of water.
“With 800,000 barrels of crude oil spilled, the destruction would devastate fisheries, livelihoods and directly harm people.
“There is a lack of consideration for the constitutional right to a safe environment on the part of our security forces, and we call for improved training regarding environmental and climate crises.
“It is crucial for government agencies to realise the impact that the destruction of rogue vessels has on the marine ecosystem and regional pollution”, Bassey said.
“Safe methods of handling such vessels, including rendering them inoperable, should be adopted.
“Outright destruction of vessels on the high seas is not environmentally acceptable.
“Collaboration between the Joint Task Force and environmental experts, alongside those genuinely concerned about the environment, is necessary to protect lives and livelihoods”, said the HOMEF boss.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.