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Let Ogoni Clean-Up Begin Now -Buhari …Wike Pledges Support
President Muhammadu Buhari afterall, failed to show up for the flag-off of the Ogoniland clean-up but speaking through Vice President Osibanjo, stated that he has fulfilled his 2015 electioneering campaign promise to Ogoni people through flagging-off of the project. He stressed that, he will monitor the daily progress of the clean-up.
The president said this at the site of the flag-off of the clean-up of Ogoni environment in Tekru Waterfront, Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Buhari, who was represented by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osobanjo, said this after kick-starting the proactive implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report recommendations, noting that, it was a reward for sacrifices made by the heroes and people of Ogoniland.
Buhari, who frowned at the resurgence of oil pipeline vandalism and crude theft which has drastically reduced gas supply to power stations, assured that the sabotage of oil pipelines would not be tolerated.
He noted that the Federal Government will enforce the rule of law in protecting critical national assets anywhere in the country.
Also speaking at the flag-off of the clean-up exercise, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for kicking-off the clean-up process, describing it, as a good gesture that will lead to the restoration of the environment of the Ogoni people.
Wike pledged the support of the Rivers State Government in the full implementation of the UNEP report in Ogoniland, noting that, Ogoni people have adopted a non-violent posture in fighting for environmental justice.
The Rivers State governor said that the clean-up presents a road map to gauge the extent of damage to Ogoniland and the ecosystem of the Niger Delta.
The Executive Director of UNEP, Mr Achim Steiner, said the organisation’s team had produced a document of what happened in Ogoniland.
He said that the team would stand with the Nigerian government to ensure the implementation of the report.
In his remarks, President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Pyagbara, said the flag-off of the clean-up exercise by President Buhari was a reward for the non-violent posture of Ogoni people in their struggle, and further heralds a healing process in Ogoniland, which for years, has suffered environmental pollution and loss of lives.
The MOSOP leader said that President Buhari’s decision to keep to the promise he made during his campaign in 2015 marks him out as a leader in Africa who says something and keeps to his word.
“President Buhari has proven that he is a leader we should trust. He is the last export of a great leader in Africa continent,” Pyagbara noted.
He said other places in the Niger Delta should learn from the Ogoni people and adopt a non-violent struggle as the best way to go.
“Our road may have been rough with lives lost but the Minister of Environment, Aisha Mohammed, and President Buhari are rekindling our faith in Nigeria,” the MOSOP leader added.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday warned that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate the current theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta.
Buhari, represented by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbanjo, gave the warning at the launch of “Clean-Up of Ogoniland’’ in Bodo, Gokana Local Government of Rivers.
He urged the regulators of oil industry to carry out their responsibilities in line with best practices.
Buhari said that government was laying a foundation for change to ensure the rule of law and safety of the people.
He said the aim was to diversify the nation’s economy and provide jobs and wealth for the people.
According to him, the clean-up of Ogoniland will have sustainable development components will benefit the people.
“The methodology for the clean-up will ensure job creation for young people. The agro-allied industries required for processing of agricultural produce will also be put in place,’’ the president said.
Buhari also said that approval had been given to set up necessary institutional framework to drive the implementation of the UNEP Report.
Governor Nyesom Wike commended Buhari for inaugurating the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
He said that the state government would provide the platform for the smooth implementation of the Report.
The governor said that environmental degradation had affected ecosystem and wild life of communities in the Niger Delta.
The Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed, said that government had taken stock of the work done in the past to start the implementation.
She said the clean-up would require collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure its success.
Mohammed said the implementation “requires transparency, accountability, genuine partnership and proper representation of the people at the grassroots in what we are doing in investing in their future,’’ she said.
Mr Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, said the organisation’s team had produced a document of what happened in Ogoniland.
He said that the team would stand with the Nigerian government to ensure the implementation of the report.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.