News
Hope Amaechi Didn’t Mean It …That Remark At Ministerial Hearing
There are times in a man’s life when he chooses to tell his spouse what she would like to hear, when a parent would tell a ward what he or she would like to hear, an interviewee, what the interviewer would like to hear and an ambitious politician what his would-be helper would like to hear.
Such half-truths are kinder lies designed to sustain a relationship, earn temporary approval and sometimes ensure followership. This is why ambitious politicians would say different things at different fora to different people, depending on what their audience’s immediate yearings are.
For a Presidential hopeful seeking votes of the Niger Delta, he must attempt to strike the chord by whipping up the sentiment, of the level of environmental degradation the area has suffered on account of years of oil production activities with their attendant pollution of the once arable farmlands, rich rivers and swamps.
He must raise their hopes on issues such as comprehensive environmental clean-up, review of the 13 per cent derivation system and promise to declare emergency in the Health and Education Sectors to make-up for the years of neglect, and lay a foundation for young ones.
Some would even promise that the Amnesty programme, pronounced by the Late Yar’Adua Presidency after resource control agitations following years of protest and ample threat to national earnings through oil and gas, would be sustained beyond 2015. Or even promise improved federal allocation to the Niger Delta Ministry, build factories to create jobs and above all give special attention to the welfare of the girl-child.
Such attention to the girl-child is indeed necessary because she was indeed one of the primary victims of oil prospection and production activities in the Niger Delta. When the oil companies arrived the oil bearing communities, they met total darkness, hunger, lack of pipe borne water, abject poverty and backwardness. At nights, the only light the locals saw was that on the house boats of the oil workers.
With their fat salaries, the oil workers lured the young girls out of schools into early prostitution and out of their homes. Some were put in the family way, leaving their parents with the false hope that their fluctuating fortunes would be addressed in a permanent manner.
But once the project of that set is completed, the oil workers would sneak out of the community as secretly as they came, after forcing the girl-child out of schools, and sometimes putting them in a family way.
In like manner, marriages were broken, community conflicts invented to divide and rule the people and most importantly, had disrupted, the people’s main occupations and sources of livelihood, fishing and farming.
On near frequent basis, wastes from their production are discharged into the rivers, lands and swamps thus endangering sea foods, arable lands and indeed fishes in the river, not to talk of gas flaring which became a major health concern for the people.
In spite of all these, for more than fifty years after Nigeria discovered oil in large quantity in Oloibiri, today’s Bayelsa State, the people did not benefit directly from activities of oil companies. Often guided by very well-armed security men, the oil companies’ loyalty was to the Federal Government and their owners with little or no consideration for the oil bearing host communities.
Without relevant skills, thus unemployable, the youth who had thus been denied sources of livelihood became agitated and vented their anger first on their political leaders. It was such internal strife that culminated in the demand for a derivation policy, by the people’s representatives.
Men like Chief Melford Okilo and Ken Sarowiwa, among many others were unrelenting in their protest against environmental hazards, health risks and indeed endemic poverty which oil-bearing communities suffered.
Under the Second Republic, followed by successive Military regimes, the derivation which was eventually granted fluctuated, sometimes meaninglessly, the lowest being 1.5 per cent under General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State, before rising to the 13 per cent enjoyed today. This is in spite of the fact that in the days of the groundnut pyramids, cocoa, palm oil among others, the then three major zones of North, South-West and South-East enjoyed derivation benefits of between 50 per cent and 100 per cent.
In the last National Conference, convoked by the Jonathan Presidency, conferees agreed on an upward review of the derivation formula in view of the years of denial, environment degration, remediation needs, investments in education and, health care and above all, empower the youth.
That conference report is yet to see the light of day and there are no signs that it will, since the now ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had boycotted it after many of its members had clamoured for such conference for many years. Even so, notable Nigerians have continued to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the Conference report, because in their view, it held the answer to the long-desired peaceful co-existence, devolution of power, economic growth, socio-political integration and indeed national cohesion, unity and progress.
Most of these were what then APC candidate Buhari promised with extra attention to security, war on corruption and economic prosperity. The Director-General of the Buhari campaign was the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who also defended his opposition to a Jonathan Presidency, on grounds that his state and indeed the states of the oil producing Niger Delta were worse for it.
Another key grouse of the Governor against President Jonathan’s re-election was his claim that oil-wells belonging to Rivers State were annexed to Bayelsa, and thus denied his state derivation rewards that would have been enjoyed.
Amaechi repeatedly defended the interest of the Niger Delta and relentlessly agitated for an upward review of the derivation system to help in re-building the thoroughly destroyed occupations and environment of the people.
But when former Governor Amaechi appeared before the Senate, for a confirmation hearing for a ministerial position, his reaction to one of the questions posed to him should have shocked many, considering his antecedents and advocacy for improved derivation , while as governor.
Amaechi was asked: When you were governor, you and your Niger Delta colleagues repeatedly clamoured for more federal allocation, but each time we asked you to account for it, it’s trouble. You enjoy derivation, you have Niger Delta Ministry.
Now, you are going to be a federal minister, if you are confirmed, would you still clamour for more derivation for the oil bearing states, considering that some states get far less?
Astonishingly, Amaechi said, “that was before we went to Germany. Now my disposition has changed.” According to the former governor, the state of Germany does not have the kind of mineral resources Nigeria has but the people are doing well. So no need for extra attention to oil bearing states.
According to him, “After the grants to states by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, any states with less than N5 billion, should be bailed out by other states with higher grants. That’s the right thing to do.”
What Amaechi’s view amounted to was that many Northern states depend solely on monthly federal allocations without extra efforts towards improving their internally generated revenue and since oil bearing states enjoy marginal reward from the paltry 13 per cent derivation, they should contribute part to states that earn less than 5 billion naira. I hope Amaechi did not mean it.
Hope he was merely telling the Northern Senator, what he wanted to hear in answer to that question. Hope Amaechi did not mean it, otherwise it would be suicidal for oil bearing states in the South-South and South-East, where, unfortunately President Buhari scored the least number of votes in the last Presidential elections.
There are also speculations that, if finally sworn-in as Minister of the Federal Republic by President Buhari, Amaechi might be assigned the Niger Delta Ministry, meaning, the development of the area would be entrusted to him.
Would he run his Ministry with funds deducted from the Niger Delta states to his ministry or agitate for improved funding independently?
That is why I hope that Amaechi might have just told that Senator, what he and some of his Northern colleagues would like to hear. If so, Amaechi need to reassure his constituency that he is not one to sacrifice everything, including the welfare of his people, to sustain personal ambition.
From his nomination as Minster to his screening up to his eventual clearance, the amount of controversy generated by Amaechi’s choice was most divisive rather than uniting. That is why Amaechi must take deliberate steps to heal wounds and unite the peoples, if he hopes to succeed as a minster.
Most importantly, he must discard his new view, after the trip to Germany, and champion the course of the oil bearing states in their struggle for a better welfare for their people. Anything else will be most unpopular, ungratifying and utterly selfish.
My agony is: those whose personal ambition transcend their states, often adopt the policy: “Charity begins abroad.” And with such mindset, can lavish billions on foreigners and their needs, not minding whether or not workers and pensioners are owed three months and five months respectively. Let this not be our plight.
That is why I hope and pray that Amaechi didn’t mean what he said.
A group of Eminent persons from the Niger Delta region under the aegis of The Niger Delta Watch Dog has warned the Federal Government against yielding to the call to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the region.
The Eminent persons who said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said those calling for decentralization of pipeline surveillance are ignorant of the dangers it poses to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
.They argued that the proposal poses significant risk to the peace security and economic stability of the region.
According to the release” While decentralization is often perceived as a means of promoting inclusivity and local participation, in this specific context it poses significant risks to peace, security, and economic stability.
It further said”evidence from community dynamics across the region suggests that decentralization will cause more harm than good, leading to increased conflict, fragmentation of authority, and heightened threats to critical national infrastructure.
“By contrast, the centralized model currently implemented by Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo Tompolo has demonstrated measurable success in stabilizing the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines”
While describing the Niger Delta region as the backbone of Nigeria oil and gas, it added that any changes in policy will lead to crisis in the region.
“The Niger Delta region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, hosting extensive pipeline networks that are vital to national revenue and economic sustainability.
“Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.
“Any policy shift particularly toward decentralization must therefore be carefully evaluated in light of the region’s socio-political realities”
It said
The release jointly signed by Chief Idowu Asonja ,Ellington Pokumo the Public Relations officer of the group Comrade Douye kojo Isoun and others,
said decentralization will lead to escalation of Inter-Community land dispute, intensifies rivalry between groups as well as heightens the struggle against Territorial control among others.
“Decentralizing pipeline security will likely intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities as many communities in the Niger Delta have been involved in conflicts over Land ownership and territorial boundaries as well as Control of natural resources and
“Claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories” adding
“Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses”
It said the gains recorded so far by the present centralization policy should be preserve as any shifts could wrecked havoc in the region.
“Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains. At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.
“It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts. “Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need” the group said
The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has used the platform of the revived BRACED Commission to unveil investment opportunities and plans in Rivers State.
The BRACED Commission just bounced back and has already held a roundtable in Port Harcourt preparatory to an economic summit in the near future.
The roundtable featured the investment promotion agencies of the cooperating states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.
Dr Peterside not only chaired the roundtable but made presentations for Rivers State economic landscape.
He hailed the rebound of the BRACED Commission which did well at the onset. “The governors of the region were one and united for one cause. Then, politics came and everything scattered. The agenda is simple, to integrate the economy of the region into one strong bloc.”
He admitted that Rivers State’s investment promotion agency is very young, plus six months in the limbo of state of emergency. “This thus is a very unique opportunity to get resurgent momentum.”
He listed the achievements of RSIPA in the short period since its establishment, saying it has received numerous investment proposals.
“We’ve engaged actively with the private sector, both those currently operating in the state and those intending to invest. We do realize the fact that investment begins from domestic investors. and you have to guide them.
“Through outreach programmes and establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), we have created a streamlined system for addressing investor needs, supporting their business operations. For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises now have a centralized hub that can address their challenges and find solutions that enable them to thrive.”
He outlined the plans ahead thus: “One of our cardinal focuses at RSIPA is to enhance the operating climate and improve the ease of doing business.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and business-friendly environment that attracts and retains investment. We are also working closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize our activities.
“Collaboration for us is key; we see Rivers State as a single ecosystem where all stakeholders work together to support investment inflow and build a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.”
For the region, he lamented the situation whereby “the carpet is shifting under our feet. The IOCs (international oil corporations) have moved offshore. The issue before us now is how should the region act now. We should target big ticket investment proposals. This is because some proposals will involve other states. There is thus need to collaborate.”
He gave examples of projects that cannot be for one state. “Railway system is not for one state. At the moment, there is no railway line that links Benin to Port Harcourt to Calabar. BRACED can push this agenda.
“There is an oil route from Opobo to Akwa Ibom where Sterling Oil is operating. It’s a route of interest. Governor Sim Fubara wants us to synergise with other states economically. The best time is now because all the governors are now in one political party.”
He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors.
“Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”
The Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Mrs. Patience Ranami Abah, also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’.
She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.
David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity.
“The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to the hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”
The Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb.Joe Keshi, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.
The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.
Some of the key resolutions in the Communique issued at the end of the two-day symposium included the call for a BRACED Investment Promotion Charter with a harmonized Regional Investment Promotion Framework and a roadmap.
The Communique called for infrastructure alignment, uniform economic reforms, human capital development plan, and a technical oversight group.
The communique urged state governments, investors, and development partners to collaborate in transforming the BRACED states into a beacon of economic dynamism.
The Defence Headquarters has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.
The DHQ also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, with a visible impact expected in the coming weeks.
Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.
Onoja said the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breach during the holiday period.
He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, and would be sustained.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempted to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.
“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration with the US forces, Onoja said the impact of the collaboration may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, but expressed confidence that the benefits would become evident in the coming weeks and months.
He said the U.S. support to Nigeria’s operations had been significant, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and training, noting that the assistance was being provided on favourable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-threat operations.
According to him, “You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality.”
He added that the intelligence being provided included information on the location of threats and hostile elements, stressing that Nigerian troops would act accordingly.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.
On February 16, 2026, DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
According to the military high command, the personnel, who are not combat troops, were in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism efforts.
However, insecurity has continued to surge in several parts of the country since their deployment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.
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