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Again, The Niger Delta Issue …A Call For Honest Dialogue
Rather than abate, from little known Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), the fresh insurgency in the oil rich Delta is giving birth to more and more groups. Although the leadership, profile and membership of such insurgent gangs still remain foggy, there are growing concerns that all may not be well in the area and by extension Nigeria.
When the NDA started its threats of attacking oil production facilities, it was dismissed with a wave of the hand until Agip and Chevron were hit in two separate attacks. Government’s immediate reaction was an order from the Commander-in-Chief, to the Military High Command to crush the militants.
That hurried reaction did not take into cognizance the currents and history of Niger Delta militancy, its threat to the economic profile of the country and how the Yar’Adua Presidency chose the amnesty option. It did not also consider the inherent danger such face-off, involving oil facilities and concomitant pollution would further endanger the environment and lives of the people. Also not put into proper perspective was the likelihood of civilian casualties, destruction of key public institutions and further aggravation of the crippling economic situation.
It was for all these that notable Nigerians called on the Federal Government to quickly consider and initiate dialogue, rather than use of force. They posited that such military posturing would rather than solve the impasse, aggravate it and return Nigeria back to the past when its oil production recorded its historical lowest.
Another option canvassed by many was a return to history, identify the wrongs associated with the forced amalgamation of 1914, and see how component parts of the ‘union’ today known as Nigeria would be made to have a sense of belonging and true nationhood. Appraising prevailing realities, influential Nigerians, like legal doyen, Prof. Nwabueze and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, called for the restructuring of the Federation, in line with prevailing realities, as the present federal system being operated has failed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the stakeholders.
Such a restructuring should make for stronger and economically more viable states as opposed to bigger centre, which negates true federalism. In such circumstance, each federating unit shall be encouraged to create its own resource base, develop and manage such resources and pay tax to the centre, as opposed to the present situation where all states depend on the oil from the Niger Delta for their survival and monthly rush to Abuja for hand-outs.
Those notable Nigerians insist that every state in the Federation has sufficient resources to develop and manage for growth. The problem is the laziness created by the oil which States now consider their meal ticket.
The strongest argument is that the central government is too large, expensive, over-reaching, inspiring and indeed greedy in the distribution of national resources. Its powers should be divested to reflect the true tenets of federalism.
Some of these arguments were captured during the last national conference which produced a report that many believed could address some of the agitations today creating insecurity in the land. Many have therefore called on the Buhari Presidency to look at the report with a view to implementing it.
But the body language of the President does not portray any iota of urgency. In fact, the Presidency has not as much as commented on the various issues raised by well-informed Nigerians.
It is perhaps that silence that has evoked the recent call by a new militant group, for a referendum, to determine the sovereignty of Nigerians. From insisting that major oil companies left the Niger Delta and calls for a revocation of the oil blocs allocated to prominent Northern elites, the militants are today calling for resource control. The militants now insist that the Niger Delta should be allowed to manage its resources, bear the consequences of the environment and pay taxes to the centre. Alternatively, a referendum be conducted to ascertain whether the Niger Delta still wishes to remain in the Nigerian Federation.
Unfortunately, rather than address the danger which this new line of debate holds, some Northern Senators have again raised the question: Where was the money used in developing oil in the Niger Delta sourced from? Their argument was that proceeds from agriculture and other resources from other lands together formed the capital to develop crude oil in the Niger Delta.
Really? How much? In those years of the groundnut pyramids, the regions enjoyed nearly 100 per cent derivation and resource control while the centre survived on taxes even from oil palm produced in the South East and South-South areas.
Besides, the Federal Government did not unilaterally develop crude oil. It was counterpart funding with major oil production multi-nationals who capitalised on the unholy marriage to short-change the Niger Delta. In those days, the argument of the Northern elite was that oil was a gift from God and belonged to no one in particular.
With such mindset, virtually every military regime, predominantly headed by Northerners turned natives of the oil bearing states into beggars while resources accruing from oil sales were used to develop major Northern cities.
The question still remains, how much was voted to develop crude oil? How much was the cost of building Abuja alone? How much profit has the central government made from its investment?
Everywhere in the world, ownership of land also determines ownership of resources there in. Nowhere in the world are land-owners, totally denied ownership of the treasures buried beneath. It is only in Nigeria where land belongs to the Niger Delta people but the oil buried there in, for all.
With civilisation and education, those mundane arguments can no longer hold water. Reality is that government must re-negotiate the terms of engagement with land-owners or investors may reconsider new investments in more conducive climes.
Silence on the part of the Federal Government is no longer healthy to the debate. Government must take a position and determine next line of action to douse the impending rift. From the stand point of the new militant groups, nothing short of resource control will bring peace. This means putting the entire area at risk in the event of arms confrontation or guided attacks on oil facilities.
The Buhari Presidency should take urgent steps at addressing the growing insurgency in the South-South, the increasing protestations, and sense of marginalisation in the South-East, the pressing sense of insecurity caused by rampaging herdsmen in the South-West and bring an end to Boko Harm in the North-East.
All these are battles that must be fought and won using the lean resources available to government. Allowing such funds to be depleted even further on account of ego, shame and pride, or a hurried resort to armed combat would indeed be injurious to the nation and its people.
This is why the Buhari Presidency must heed the advice of statesmen that the report of the last National Conference be revisited or outright restructuring be initiated. That is the wise thing to do.
While this is awaited, the militants should realise that the planned war is not against the same people whose interest it professes to champion. That each attack further degrades the environment and the ecosystem and by extension further threatens the people’s occupation of fishing and farming.
They must therefore embrace cease fire and allow dialogue so as to let the conversation flow freely. It should not be all about threats and violence, sometimes, maturity and commonsense should play their roles.
My Agony is that the comments of some Northern Senators could incite violence, rather than abate it, for true dialogue to take place. That’s how greed drives people to self-destruction.
Perhaps, they should be told, “strength and wisdom are not opposing values. They complement each other,” according to former US President Bill Clinton.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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