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FG’s Deceit Worries MOSOP – Gives Buhari Six Weeks To Begin Clean-Up
Front row: Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (2nd right), with his Deputy, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (right), member representing Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Mrs Betty Apiafi (2nd left), member representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Mr Barry Mpigi (left) and other dignitaries, after the solidarity visit of Rivers Caucus of the House of Representatives at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
As the people of Ogoni reflect on the killing of the Ogoni Nine, 22 years after, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has issued a fresh ultimatum of six weeks to the Federal Government within which to practically commence the clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
It would be recalled that key component of the UNEP report recommendations submitted the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government in August, 2011, was the scientific clean-up, remediation and restoration of hydrocarbons polluted Ogoni environment, including provision of emergency measures to restore normal livelihoods in the area.
Giving the ultimatum during an interactive session to kick-start a two-day event to mark the 22nd anniversary of the killing of the nine Ogoni heroes at the Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, headquarters of Ogoni people, last Thursday, MOSOP’s Public Relations Officer, Fegalo Nsuke insisted that the clean-up must commence before the end of December, 2017, otherwise, MOSOP would mobilise all Ogonis to protest against the Federal Government and the polluter, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
Nsuke hinted that MOSOP was working out modalities to actualise its decision to protest against the international oil company offices in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, saying that MOSOP was in agreement with the two-week ultimatum given Shell by the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) threatening to occupy Shell offices in Nigeria to force the oil giant to vacate the area.
At a separate event to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Ogoni Martyrs’ Day in Bori, the vociferous MOSOP affiliate, NYCOP had given SPDC a 14-day ultimatum to vacate Ogoniland or face retooled persistent protests reminiscence of the non-violent resistance of MOSOP in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Tide on the sidelines of the Ogoni Day celebrations in Bori, Acting President of NYCOP, Comrade Norteh Morgan said that the only language the Federal Government and its ally, SPDC understand was civil disobedience, peaceful resistance and protests that threaten productive operations of the company, and expose staff and facilities to risks, and assured the readiness of Ogoni people to send the message direct to the highest leadership of Shell.
“Today, the Ogoni youth are here to review events of the past years and to ask the Federal Government, SPDC and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s subsidiary – Nigerian Petroleum Development Company – some vital questions. But expectedly, they are not here, so, we have chosen to start working with 3Cs that represents – Consultation, Conciliation and Confrontation.
“When consultation fails, conciliation comes in, and when conciliation fails, confrontation follows. We are being taken for granted by the multinational oil companies, especially SPDC, since they know that the Ogoni people are non-violent,” he stressed.
Morgan stated that the 14-day ultimatum given SPDC to vacate the area was as a result of wrong approaches used by the company in addressing issues affecting the generality of Ogoni people.
“What we expect SPDC to do is to organize a roundtable discussion with all strata of the leadership of Ogoni people, where all parties would agree on the various steps going forward, so that everybody would be carried along,” Morgan said.
He lamented the 60 years of neglect and 22 years of struggle against marginalization and exclusion of Ogoni people by SPDC, saying “The people feel cheated by SPDC over the last 60 years in Ogoniland. All the people have received from SPDC is gas pollution, oil spillage and environmental degradation. In spite of the fact that we had declared Shell persona-non-granta in Ogoniland more than 25 years ago, they have returned through the back door, and are now laying pipes in Tai and Eleme.”
He stressed that the people can no longer tolerate the divide and rule, and selective consultations used by SPDC in Ogoniland, and warned the company to steer clear of the area for good.
Also speaking, a guest lecturer at the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Ben Naanen stated that the UNEP report was not the answer to all the problems of Ogoni people, but described it as a critical step towards addressing some critical aspects of the challenges facing Ogonis.
Naanen, who was spoke on the topic: ‘The Ogoni Struggles: Ruminations and Future Unfold,’ noted that Ogoniland was the first that oil was discovered in 1958, but regretted that the people’s voice could not be heard by the Federal Government because they were of the minority.
He described the government’s treatment of Ogoni demands as ‘total injustice’ in view of the massive despoliation of Ogoniland, saying that the agitations for justice and equity initiated by Ogoni leaders as enunciated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights in the 1980s and form the fulcrum of the resistance against SPDC, have completely enveloped the entire Niger Delta, reawakening their consciousness towards resource control, fiscal federalism and self-determination.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to urgently restructure the country along those lines to guarantee peace, stability and unity of the Nigerian state.
In an exclusive interview with The Tide, Khana Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Gbene Lekue Zini stated that the significance of November 10 in the life of Ogoni people resides in the fact that it points the way inclusiveness and participation of Niger Deltans in the socio-political and economic calculations of the Nigerian state.
Zini used the opportunity to intimate Ogoni youth on the need to remain united and speak with one voice to attract development and growth to the area.
“As an Ogoni person, emulate what our fathers died for and appreciate that they did not for their selfish interests but for the overall good of all Ogonis,” Zini added.
“Conflicts, crises, cultism are not what the Ogoni people are known for; we are known for straightforwardness and that is why our Ogoni nine died, because they wanted equal treatment, fairness and justice to Ogoniland,” he lamented.
He urged Federal Government, Shell, Hydrocarbons Pollution Remediation and Restoration Project (HYPREP) and all parties in the Ogoni clean-up to urgently do the needful, adding that the people were tired of failed promises.
It would be recalled that on November 10, 1995, environmental rights activist, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa and other eight Ogoni leaders were executed by the Gen Sani Abacha-led military junta following their role in the Ogoni demands for equity, justice in the sharing of oil revenue and inclusion in the political space.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana.
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.