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HOSTLON Urges NASS On Quick Passage of PIB

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The host communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTLON) have urged the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency and deliberate policy, include the 10 per  cent equity granted by the Federal Government to the HOSTLON in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), and pass it into law.

In a statement signed by the National Chairman, Chief A. M. Bubor and the National PRO, Dr Mike Emuh, said host communities, being the parent body of the genuinely repentant Niger Delta Freedom fighters, otherwise branded “militants,” would continue to remain patriotic and committed to her goals of carrying all stakeholders along in the scheme of things.

According to the statement, the stakeholders including the traditional rulers, the people professionals and academia are working in conjunction with HOSTLON in its efforts to reposition and bring about rapid infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region.

It stated that the body remained resolute in their quest to establish industries, empower the youths through national and international skills acquisition, as well as guarantee security of foreign investors with a view to transforming the Niger Delta.

The statement further noted that the body is in dialogue with the oil producing companies in order to develop the area alongside with the Niger Delta Development commission (NDDC) muster plan for oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OPADEC) and the Niger Delta Ministry, if given total support for the 10% equity granted to the host communities by the Federal Government.”

The body also appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through the Group Managing Director, the Petroleum Minister and the Special Adviser to Mr President on Oil and Gas Matter, to work in unity with the host communities in order to reposition the nation’s economy and the Niger Delta region.

The statement further called on the Federal Governemnt to urgently approve the proposal for Pipeline Surveillance Task Force that was submitted to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) by the host communities, so as to checkmate oil bunkering, pipeline vandalisation and guarantee the employment of the over 150,000 Niger Delta youths who are jobless.

It however also urged the Ministry of Niger Delta to implement all the agreements reached in its last meeting with host communities, Minister from the Niger Delta and foreign investors for the establishment of nine industries and 12 modular refineries, in order to create employment for over three million unemployed Niger Deltans.

The HOSTLON also condemned a recent statement by the Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanue,l Udueighan, indicting the body for incompetence to handle the 10% equity granted to it by the Federal Government, adding “we see it as a threat to national development and a call for more trouble in the Niger Delta region,” and expressed worry over the present health condition and President Shehu Yar’Adua, as they pray for his quick recovery.

 

Collins Barasimeye

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IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

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The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

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Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

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As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

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Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

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The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke  said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor

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