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OML 25: Shell, Communities Broker Peace …Sign MoU July1, Reopen Flow Station
The stakeholder communities of Oil Mining License (OML) 25 in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) have agreed on the procedures for the re-opening of the oil facility.
As such, the stakeholder communities and Shell will on Monday, July 1, 2019 sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be facilitated by the Rivers State Government on their respective responsibilities in the final resolution of the two-year old conflict.
This was the outcome of the meeting, yesterday, between the stakeholder communities of OML 25, SPDC, service commanders and officials of the Rivers State Government on the directive of Governor Nyesom Wike.
To this end, the representative of the Rivers State Governor and Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, has directed the Solicitor-General of the State to draft a memorandum of understanding on the premise of the resolutions reached at the meeting.
He also said that the memorandum of understanding would be signed on Monday, July 1, 2019.
Danagogo outlined the four key resolutions reached during the crucial meeting on the re-opening of OML 25, to include that, “SPDC should pay the agreed funds into an account. The Permanent Secretary, Community Affairs has been mandated to ensure that the funds are transferred to the communities.
“SPDC should be able to pay the available sum latest by Monday. Shell would pay N260million and N75million by Monday.
“The communities should within seven days of signing the resolution, vacate the facility. Also within two weeks, Shell should pay the remaining part of N1.014billion”
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government added that the meeting resolved that SPDC would therefore obtain approval from NAPIMS to pay the money that accrued between 2009 and 2013.
He added that within two weeks of signing the resolution, Rivers State Government will set up a platform for Shell and stakeholder communities to renegotiate the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
The General Manager, External Relations of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr Igo Weli said the first set of funds to the stakeholder communities will be paid on Monday.
He stressed that the outcome of the financial reconciliations will be paid within two weeks of signing the resolution.
Weli added that SPDC, in line with the resolution of the meeting, would seek the approval of NAPIMs for payment of funds for 2009 and 2013.
The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rowland Sekibo said that the meeting initiated by the Rivers State governor has recorded a milestone with agreement on the funds to be paid by SPDC.
Member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, Major Jack commended the Rivers State Government, SPDC and stakeholder communities for building synergy which will end in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday.
Amanyanabo of Opu-Kula, King Hope Opusingi said that the people of the area were happy with the agreement reached at the meeting, especially the reconciliation of the funds to be paid by SPDC.
He said those occupying the flow station were being paid to do so, adding that technically, the flow station has been opened as the occupants of the facility were doing so illegally.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Kula, King Kroma Eleki called for the development of Kula upon the reopening of OML 25, appealing that the developmental challenges of the community should be resolved.
It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike on June 22, 2019, directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, to convene a meeting of all key stakeholders in the presence of security service commanders, for the host communities to outline their grievances to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and for the company to address such development concerns.
Earlier during the first meeting, the Rivers State Government reiterated that the Oil Mining License (OML) 25 must be re-opened for operations with the interest of host communities protected by the operating company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The host communities of OML 25 also stated their developmental concerns, urging SPDC to address them for mutually beneficial relationship with the company to be entrenched.
In a meeting the state government convened between the host communities and SPDC, the representative of Rivers State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, said that Governor Nyesom Wike remains committed to the protection of host communities’ interest.
He said: “The flow station of that facility must be opened. For that to happen, we think that the interest of the host communities must be protected, so that in future, we don’t have a repeat of what happened.
“That is why it is in the best interest of everybody concerned to state very genuine concerns of what Shell has to do”.
He said that the Rivers State Government was discharging its responsibility of ensuring the peaceful resolution of the issues.
“At the initial stage, we didn’t want to get involved because we felt that the Shell licence was almost terminating. But at this stage, it is clear to everybody that the Federal Government has renewed the licence of Shell for another 20 years. What it means is that for the next 20 years, Shell must be there.
“As a law abiding government, what we will do is to see that Shell does not trample upon the rights of our people. So, now, Shell will listen to our people on what they ought to do”, he said.
He urged the communities to do what is right; assuring that the state government would, on that premise, prevail on Shell to release the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) funds.
In his remarks, General Manager, External Relations of Shell, Mr Igo Weli said that the SPDC was ready to dialogue with the communities and resolve the issues raised.
Weli said that the existing GMoU has expired, but assured that working with the communities, another GMoU would be worked out for the development of the communities.
“The third one is retaining of fund. The fund for each community is stipulated in the GMoU, and each community will have their community trust, and even though one community has a problem, we can give you your money to go ahead.
“So, once we do it properly, specify how much belongs to each community, have your own community trust, one community will not hold the other communities down. If you have a problem, we localise the problem and sort out the one we can operate. That’s what we have been doing”, Weli added.
He disclosed that there was N960million on ground outstanding from the previous GMoU, saying that the company was ready to invest the funds.
“There is no perfect solution. Once we get 80 per cent of the people to agree, then, let’s do it. We want to operate in a way that all stakeholders will feel recognised. There are rules. Once we agree on the rules, we will move forward. The GMoU will be modified to meet the new realities”, he said.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Kula, King Kroma Eleki alleged that Shell had worked with a section of the kingdom and marginalised others, insisting that some community leaders also created the atmosphere for the marginalisation of the kingdom.
He said that when Shell started operations, it was agreed that 60 per cent of proceeds must go to Kula community and 30 per cent to Belema, but regretted that Shell failed to respect the agreement.
Eleki said though the Federal Government can open the OML 25, Shell should carry out its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) diligently to the communities, and also called on the Federal Government to work towards protecting the interest of the host communities.
Amanyanabo of Belema, King Ibinabo Kalaoriye said Belema was the host community, but all the funds meant for the host community were diverted to Kula.
He said that OML 25 was illegally occupied by some persons who connived with another set of soldiers to take over the facility.
Kalaoriye said that going forward; no funds meant for the development of Belema community should be sent to Kula, explaining that despite the challenges, Shell had executed some important projects in the area as a result of the existence of the OML 25.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Opu-Kula, King Hope Opusingi said Shell should come out clean and declare the funds due the communities on the basis of the GMoU.
He said that the meeting should agree on the amount of the funds that Shell should invest and the communities that are entitled to the investment.
The meeting had in attendance the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Hon Rowland Sekibo, the member representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 1 at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Major Jack and member representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2 at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Opuende Lolo, and the community development committees of the stakeholder communities of OML 25.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.