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Rivers Of Neglect …Tears Over Marginal Oil Fields Denial
The appendage, Treasure Base of the Nation, is not a nickname chosen by Rivers State for self-praise but one that aptly explains the state’s real value in the economic equation of Nigeria.
But it thus appears that for it to draw from the centre, even a tiny beat of its large deposit thereto, the state must either embark on a vigorous civil agitation or protracted litigations, which in many cases terminate at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Prior to its creation out of the then Eastern region of Nigeria by Decree No. 19 of 1967 after years of outright neglect, deprivation, discrimination and agitation, Rivers State was known as Oil Rivers Protectorate, an appendage derived from its central role in the oil trade of the last two centuries.
From palm oil of the past, the state is today the hub of the hydro-carbon industry, accounting for more than 40 per cent of crude oil produced on-shore in the country and 100 per cent of the liquefied natural gas that sustains the Nigerian economy.
It is indeed its strategic importance in the economic equation of Nigeria that earned it the honour, Treasure Base of the Nation.
With this pedigree, no sane mind would imagine that the state should suffer neglect, deprivation or pain of any kind, because as the saying goes, to lay bigger golden eggs, a fertile goose must be pampered and very well fed. But in the case of Rivers, the opposite is true.
From the frustrating agitation for a state, to the recent restoration of oil wells, questionably denied it, in favour of neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, nothing has ever come easily to the state.
Before its eventual creation in 1967, the state’s founding fathers had traversed the globe lamenting the fears of extinction in the contraption called Nigeria, attended countless conferences in London, England and at some point succeeded in having their voices in print by the Willink Commission.
Again, when there became the need for an upward review of the paltry three percentage on Derivation, words alone could not make much difference, thus, forcing the state then under the leadership of Chief Melford Okilo to resort to the courts.
Today, the first question is: what is the state’s equity status in the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Bonny? None. This is in spite of the fact that 100 per cent of gas production takes place in the state.
Apparently bent on moving the culture of denial to limits of crass impunity, agents of the Federal Government are again short-changing Rivers State in the on-going Brass NLNG, where, the state is entitled to five per cent equity status. Is it the destiny of the state to agitate for what rightly belongs to it?
Although this has been a systemic trend in addressing issues of the Niger Delta region, recent events show that Rivers State may be the worst hit, for reasons none can even guess.
Apart from the fact that in 2002, during the oil block bids, only two Rivers sons were awarded oil fields, the state that accounts for the production of nearly 50 per cent crude has no marginal oil field. And in spite of repeated calls, appeals, tears and all, the state still suffers that denial while states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo and Akwa Ibom had long been allocated oil fields by the Federal Government.
Sadly, that singular denial has in its trail orchestrated even more denials as the state’s plan for her own refinery and the attendant jobs such will create for Rivers indigenes and other Nigerians are being impeded. Not only that, cooking gas, which is produced in Rivers State, costs far more in the state than it does in Lagos and elsewhere.
Managing Director of the Rivers Treasure Energy Resources, Dr Eddie Wikina, who led other industry stakeholders to address a press conference last week in Port Harcourt, lamented the systemic marginalization of the state in an industry to which it is easily most central and should naturally be pampered. According to him, the failure of the Federal Government to allocate to Rivers State, a marginal oil field has frustrated attempts to kick-start the state-owned Treasure Oil Resource.
While lamenting the situation, a body of oil and gas professionals, along with whom Wikina addressed the press, raised the alarm that there are signals that the Port Harcourt office of the Local Content Management Board might have been moved to neighbouring Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Why is it that the plan to establish such offices in the Niger Delta states now excludes Rivers?
It is hard to believe, but if indeed it is true, then it must be said that it is becoming a dangerous pattern which is condemnable as it negates all standard requirements of equity, fairness and good conscience in the allocation of national resources.
These indeed, methinks, are part of the reasons state governors raised doubts about the Sovereign Wealth Fund. In fact, Rivers should worry the most if the listed examples of marginalization and denial are any leads to go by. If, for instance, oil wells belonging to the state can be willfully annexed in favour of Akwa Ibom State, in an illegal boundary adjustment, there is very little that can come to the state as a surprise.
This is unacceptable and should be addressed without any further delay. As a first step, the federal government should begin the process for the allocation of marginal oil field to Rivers as enjoyed by Bayelsa, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, who do not measure up to the state’s contribution in oil and gas to the national treasury. In addition, it is expected that in the next bid for oil blocks, more Rivers sons and daughters be considered for the same reasons.
But I have a worry. Nigeria is the only country where people live close to the River but require permission to fetch therefrom, while others miles away are fed fat from the same River. Or how can you explain a situation where domestic cooking gas sells for between N4,000 and N5,000 in Port Harcourt while, it sells for far less in Kaduna, Kano and Lagos?
How can we explain the situation where the state accounts for more than 40 per cent of crude produced onshore and 100 per cent of gas produced in Nigeria and yet have only two indigenes allocated oil blocks not to mention that the state is denied equity status naturally allowed it?
How for instance, should a state bear all the risks of oil and gas pollution, environmental degradation and regular threat to her people’s natural occupations of fishing and farming on account of oil and gas production be made to beg, agitate or venture the whole hug of a gruelling litigation, to enjoy a tiny bit of a large crunch it contributed to the centre?
This lamentation has been actuated by a painful memory of several other denials of the past. For instance, it is difficult to point to any visible federal government project embarked upon in Rivers State within the past eight or so years, at the risk of being immodest.
Added to this is the abandonment of Federal Roads in the state, thus forcing the state to either suffer the dangers of such death traps or channel scarce resource towards repair of such roads, without refunds from the centre. And since such roads cannot be left in such deplorable state, Rivers has time and again opted for the former at the expense of other pressing demands.
Take the Ikwerre Road for instance, with the expansion, resurfacing and classic drainages carried out by the state government, even the immediate past Minister of Works will have difficulty recognizing it, as a former federal government responsibility. But that road is merely one of several others, including the Airport Road.
What of the Refinery Road? A major thoroughfare to and from the Port Harcourt Refinery remains an eye-sore with little or no reasonable attention befitting such institution.
These together make the Federal Government’s refusal to allocate a marginal oil field to Rivers State, one denial too many.
Again I ask, is it our destiny to fight for virtually everything that is ours as of right or that there is a fifth columnist armed to frustrate the state’s development plans?
My Agony is that it does not take non-oil producing states in other parts of the forced 1914 Amalgamation, as much as a frown to fetch from the common pool – as against the near frequent and tortuous path Rivers must venture to get its due.
Perhaps, the only unsolicited gift the state has ever gotten, is the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger, National Honour to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the first serving governor in the state’s 44 year history, probably because ignoring the man’s accomplishments would remove from the event the colour achievers like him bring to the floor.
While the federal government has earned my gratitude on this, it needs to prove that it was not a mistake, that it instead marks the beginning of a new era where, Rivers will be treated as the true goose that lays the golden eggs, the same pedigree that gave it the appendage, Treasure Base of the Nation.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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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.