City Crime
RIVERS PEACEFUL, CONDUCIVE FOR INVESTMENTS, REPS AFFIRM
The leaderships of the midstream and downstream sub-sectors of Nigeria’s petroleum industry have affirmed that Rivers State is peaceful, hospitable and conducive for investments, urging potential investors around the world to discountenance negative narratives about political crisis by enemies of the State, and make strategic decisions to invest in Africa’s largest hydrocarbon hub, for exciting returns on investment for shareholders and other stakeholders.
The Chairmen of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream), Hon Ikeagwuonu Michael Ugochinyere (PDP Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State); and Hon Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie (Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency, Edo State); made the affirmation in their separate remarks at the three-day retreat of the joint committee in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
About 100 actors in the sector are participating in the retreat, out of which no fewer than 80 are legislators representing federal constituencies across the six geopolitical zones of the country, while others represented oil and gas companies, major and independent marketers, refineries and petrochemicals firms, among others.
Hon Ugochinyere said that the State is peaceful because of the good leadership and responsible governance approach adopted by the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has remained focused on the ball, while facilitating the ease of doing business and creating the right policies to enable investments to thrive in the State.
He added that if the State was not peaceful, the huge number of National Assembly committees on oversight functions, and the litany of investors and other corporate institutions who have visited the State over the last couple of months to explore abounding opportunities would not have been possible, and advised well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to disregard those trying to demarket the State.
Hon Ugochinyere said: “We are gathered here in Port Harcourt, united by a shared commitment to enhance our regulatory frameworks, promote transparency, and foster sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector…
“I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for graciously hosting us and for his unwavering support. Your leadership and hospitality are greatly appreciated”.
Speaking earlier, he said: “Today is not a day for politics. We are here in Rivers State for development purposes. We want to appeal to the IGP (Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun), here (Rivers State) has been very peaceful. That is why our retreat is holding in Rivers State. If Rivers State is not peaceful, over 80 federal lawmakers from the midstream and downstream petroleum sector will not be coming here for their three-day retreat.
“We will want this peace to continue. That is why we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) not to take sides in this crisis. He should allow the rule of law to prevail, and stop aiding, in any way, the other side who are from Abuja”.
Speaking further on the role of the police in the political crisis in the State, Hon Ugochinyere said: “But I must say this as a Nigerian, not because I belong to any interest or divide in the struggle: That respecting the rights of the people must be paramount to the Police Force. The Police must not act in a way that they are seen as giving undue advantage to the Abuja politician.
“The Governor (Sir Siminalayi Fubara) deserves some respect; the people of Rivers State deserve some respect. Indiscriminate arrests; indiscriminate attacks; these are things that are not welcome, and are not acceptable in any democratic setting”.
Speaking on the retreat, Hon Ugochinyere, added that the peaceful atmosphere in the State was evident in the congenial and enabling environment for fruitful dialogue and thriving investments and businesses, and a clear contrast to what detractors of the State were painting in their orchestrated political crisis.
He stated that the retreat was pivotal in changing the narratives, and provides stakeholders with robust platform to deliberate on burning issues while exploring strategic solutions for the betterment of the industry.
The leader of the G-60 lawmakers further said, “As we commence this retreat, I wish to emphasize the significance of our gathering. The Petroleum Sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure its efficiency, transparency and sustainability. Our discussions over the next few days will be instrumental in shaping the future of this vital industry.
“We are privileged to have an array of distinguished speakers and experts who will share their insights on various aspects of the petroleum industry, from understanding objectives and significance of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to exploring the roles and responsibilities of the newly established regulatory bodies.
“Our ongoing forensic legislative investigation into the anomalies within the oil and gas sector is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring integrity in our industry. We are addressing allegations concerning the importation of substandard petroleum products, non-availability of crude oil supply to domestic refineries and other critical issues that threaten the stability and security of our petroleum sector.”
Speaking on the ease of doing business in the State, Hon Ugochinyere specifically named Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Company as one example of the litany of thriving investments in Rivers State, which shareholders are genuinely proud of, saying that more of such businesses populate the State, making it an enticing environment for investors.
In his remarks, Hon Okojie, said: “We gather here in the dynamic city of Port Harcourt, at the prestigious Presidential Hotel, under the theme; ‘Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks, Promoting Transparency, and Fostering Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector.’ This retreat is a critical convergence of minds and efforts aimed at addressing the pressing issues and exploring the immense opportunities within our sector”.
Represented by member representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon Marie Enenimiete Ebikake, Hon Okojie said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, our host, for his unwavering support and warm hospitality. We are truly honoured to be in the presence of such distinguished leadership”.
Saying that the warm reception and hospitality was characteristic of the good people of Rivers State, he added that the story of the success of the oil and gas industry cannot be written in Nigeria without Rivers State, as a dominant hub, which has played a key role in the development and transformation of the nation’s economy.
Hon Okojie, said that deliberations from the retreat will positively impact the oil and gas industry, especially in providing clearer understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) governance and institutional frameworks to promote growth and sustainability in the sector.
He said, “I would like to highlight the importance of our interaction with stakeholders in the midstream and downstream sub-sectors. This engagement is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by our industry, and collaboratively devising solutions that promote growth and sustainability.”
In his keynote speech, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the 10th National Assembly is committed to deploying effective legislative reforms to strengthen the operations, create competitive business-friendly environment, institutionalise transparency and sustainable development in the oil and gas industry.
Represented by the Leader of the North-West Caucus in the House, Hon. Sada Soli, the speaker also noted that the National Assembly has already commenced the processes of legislative reforms that will enhance holistic governance overhaul with a view to transforming the nation’s major economic driver and revenue earner in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Rt. Hon. Abbas said that the federal lawmakers were dedicated to fostering an environment to effectively drive the objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in promoting the key indices of ease of doing business while providing stakeholders the level playing field to participate in the sector.
He said, “The theme of this retreat speaks volume on the commitment of the 10th House towards repositioning the energy sector of our economy. Our nation’s economic power is derived and dependent on oil. Over the years, the debate over the regulation, transparency and sustainable development of the sector has dominated discussions even after the passage and coming into force of the Petroleum Industry Act in the 9th Assembly.
“This retreat is, therefore, an opportunity to reflect on the issues once again, and make recommendations to the House on the best approaches to promote transparency and sustainable development in the sector”.
Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Chapter, Comrade Tekena ThankGod Ikpaki, and the Chairman, Major Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (MPMAN), Rivers State Chapter, Sir Francis Dimkpa, delivered goodwill messages at the event, where they expressed concerns over the multiplicity of regulatory bodies and fees slammed on marketers.
Speakers at the retreat include the Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration, Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr Kelechi Ofoegbu; Chairman, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Director-General, Akwa Ibom State Investment Council, Obong Ibe Owodiong-Idemeko; and Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacchaeus Adelabu Adedeji.
Also, expert resource panellists included; Barrister Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr Farouk Ahmed; Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe; Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kolo Kyari; Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke; and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
The retreat wrapped up with a facility tour of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited at Eleme Local Government Area of the State. yesterday.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the other party to the Supreme Court judgment; Rivers State House of Assembly, needed to know that they are also to comply with the ruling, and do so with commitment that prioritises the interest of the State.
The Governor maintained that such resolve must engender collective action towards achieving peace in the State because it serves as the potent medium through which all the arms of Government can function properly while creating public goods that benefit everyone.
Governor Fubara, who spoke at the inauguaration of the 85-year-old Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area on Thursday, emphasised that without an enduring peace, sustainable development will be hampered practically, while the sense of security, respect, tolerance, stability, and well-being to pursue goals will suffer.
The Governor said: “Let me thank everyone, and also say this, it is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option than to abide by it.
“And, by the special grace of God, we have started the process. We are appealing to other parties, consider the interest of Rivers State, it is important. The only thing that we owe this State is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our State, because if I have to govern well, there is need for peace to prevail.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled how the planning committee of the 20th Anniversary of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion visited, and appealed to him to give the school, dilapidated for a long time, a facelift.
Governor Fubara said he considered their request on the premise of the place the school filled in history and the importance of quality education in addressing some social vices among idle and uneducated youths.
The Governor stated: “I felt the least, as a government, we can do is to uplift the standard of this school. And, it is not out of place, because it is part of our agenda. The key things in this administration’s agenda are healthcare, education and food sufficiency (agriculture).
“So, we immediately keyed into it, and to the glory of God, we are here today to unveil one of the things that we have done, even in the face of these situations confronting our administration, which we didn’t bring upon ourselves. But we give God all the glory.”
Governor Fubara assured the Anglican Church that whatever that is remaining, within the scope of what has been approved in the institution, will be completed, stressing that education has remained the bedrock of development in any society.
He added that if the key ingredients (facilities) to boost education are properly managed, crime will be reduced drastically, saying: “So, I believe that when all the facilities put in place in this school are put into full use, the level of crime, the level of criminality would definitely reduce, not just in Okrika but other neighbouring communities that will benefit from this school.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to do our best because the interest of our State is the most important thing to us. This school is being managed by the church. I believe the church would protect every facility that we have put in this place. The church should see the facility as its own. As a matter of fact, the school belongs to the church, it is not government anymore. What government is doing today is to compliment their effort.”
The Rivers State Governor assured the leadership of the Anglican Church in the area that he will send experts to assess the shore protection concerns expressed by the Bishop, and see what can be done to safeguard the surrounding land of the school from being washed away.
Governor Fubara also challenged the Old Boys of the school to be bold and courageous to take up some strategic projects, especially those they had listed in their address, including establishing a centre for computer-based examinations for external examinations.
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Orluideye Chukwuma, pointed to the massive remodelling and reconstruction work achieved, which has restored the cherished glory of Okrika Grammar School to confirm the commitment of Governor Fubara to quality education of children.
He said, “The construction and equipping of Okrika Grammar School, Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State was awarded in April, 2024 to various contractors, and was duly funded to completion by the Rivers State Government under the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“The project consists of an Administrative Block, 24 Classroom Blocks, Laboratory, ICT Library Block, Assembly Hall, 100-bed Male Hostel, 100-bed Female Hostel, Kitchen and Dinning Hall, Matron’s Quarters and Sickbay, Principal’s Quarters, Senior Staff Quarters, Junior Staff Quarters, perimeter fencing, gate, generator house and power supply with extension of electricity, including solar-powered streetlights.
“There are also Vice Principal’s Quarters, sports facilities such as lawn tennis, basketball and school field. Revamping for facelift some of the old buildings such as the old dinning hall, repainting of various old structures and buildings within the premises.”
Dr Chukwuma also said: “There is road network and landscaping of about 1.8kilometers with 1.5kilometer drainage, interlocking connecting buildings, completed road pavements and parking lots, water supply to all the buildings within the compound.
“There is also furnishing and equipping of the entire 14 structures with standard students’ desks, hostel beds, quality and standard furniture, electronics such as 86 air conditioning, both inverter and 1.5 horsepower and 75 smart television sets, 60 computer sets and standard science laboratory.”
In her welcome address, Head of Local Government Administration, Okrika Local Government Area, Mrs Obianime Appollos, said the Okrika Grammar School in Okrika, established in 1940, had remained an iconic institution known for academic excellence, and thanked Governor Fubara for remodelling structures and restoring the status of the institution after years of neglect of all facilities, which demonstrates his commitment to providing quality education, investment in the future of Rivers children and improving the well-being of the people.
Speaking for the Old Boys Association, Mr Golden Iruayenama, said the years of neglect and dilapidation of structures at Okrika Grammar School were worrisome with promises to fix them never materialized until Governor Fubara changed the narrative.
Also speaking, Bishop of Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia, said it will be remembered that it was when the school attained 85 years of existence that Governor Fubara, magnanimously remodelled and resuscitated Okrika Grammar School to help the shaping of the future of Rivers children, educationally.
Gunmen, who recently abducted the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Abdulsalam Rabi’u are demanding the sum of N30million ransom as condition for his release.
The Tide’s source recalled that the criminal elements had on Tuesday kidnapped Rabi’u along with his father and brothers near Labin Bangori in Katsina State.
Rabi’u, an indigene of Katsina State and a medical student at Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria emerged winner of the competition, Hizb 60 with Tajweed, earlier held in Kebbi State.
He was kidnapped after Governor Dikko Umar Radda invited him and his father to the Government House for a special recognition ceremony.
The gunmen reportedly picked Rabi’u alongside his father and other members of his family while returning home after the ceremony.
-
Nation5 days ago
Arrest Of Suspected Land Grabber: Rivers Community Calls For Justice
-
News5 days agoDangote Stops Petrol Sale In Naira, Gives Condition For Resumption
-
Nation5 days ago
‘Education, Powerful Tool For Equipping Visionary Leaders’
-
Entertainment4 days ago“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
-
Nation5 days ago
Troops Capture Wanted Terrorists
-
Nation5 days ago
Kano Approves Salary Increase For Tertiary Institution Staff
-
Nation5 days ago
Military Denies Knowledge Of Community Negotiations With Terrorists
-
Nation5 days ago
Court Strikes Out Charges Against Ex-Ooni’s Wife