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Niger Delta

Ogonis Submit Seven-Point Demands To FG

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The Ogoni Multi-Stakeholders’ Forum has submitted a seven-point demand to the Federal Government listing conditions to be met before the resumption of oil exploration and production activities in the area.
The demands were presented to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, during a roundtable dialogue with enlarged Ogoni stakeholders at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Tower, Abuja, last Thursday.
Presenting the demands on behalf of Ogoni leaders, National Coordinator, Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba said: “We have consistently maintained in all our correspondences to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and in particular, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, that we are not opposed to the resumption of oil and gas operations in OML 11 (Ogoni Fields).
“We, however, strongly demand that before the resumption of oil operation in Ogoniland, the suit brought by the Ogoni people to set aside the judgment of the 1995 kangaroo tribunal of the Federal Military Government that led to the gruesome execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and 8 others, currently before the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, should be first disposed off and their name cleared from the black books.
“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and its parent company, the Royal Dutch Shell, remain persona non grata in Ogoniland as declared by our forebears in 1993.
“The SPDC’s application for the renewal of its expiring lease over the OML 11 (Ogoni Fields) should be rejected. The Ogoni Fields (Block) should revert to the Federal Government of Nigeria, effective from 30th June 2019 and should not be renewed for SPDC.
“The preliminary approvals granted to RoboMichael Nigeria Limited and/or other companies to develop the Ogoni Fields should be revoked/withdrawn.
“The environmental catastrophe created by the over three decades of SPDC’s reckless operations in Ogoniland should be cleaned up as recommended in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should come to Bori (the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland) to discuss with the Ogoni people and address all legal issues touching on the development of OML 11 (Ogoni Fields).
“All communities in Ogoni should be connected to the national-grid as all the six power plants in Afam are located in Ogoniland. Also, the over 14 Ogoni communities which were destroyed during the military occupation in Ogoniland in the 1990s should be rebuilt and the Ogoni refugees within and outside Nigeria should be rehabilitated,” the demands read.
Topba, however, assured that once SPDC was able to apologise for the Ogoni massacre, KSWA would take the initiative to mobilise the people to ensure that SPDC resumes oil exploration in Ogoniland.
Also speaking, MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara accused the federal government of causing the problem in Ogoniland, and challenged the government to implement the letters of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the Justice Oputa Panel Report as it concerns the Ogoni question.
Pyagbara expressed the hope that a better framework would be put together to drive result-oriented engagements with the people of Ogoni going forward, and noted with regret that it took the minister so much time to do the needful in order to restore peace in Ogoni.
In his remarks, Managing Director, SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, said the issues raised by the Ogonis were not new to the company, but insisted that Shell’s position on Ogoni was very clear, adding that it was focusing now on the clean-up of Ogoniland in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report.
Okunbor said, “We have kept Shell deliberately out of the frame due to the issues. We want to submit a process that we know you will appreciate. We want to develop a framework. The time now is for healing to return economic activities back to Ogoni. Shell has no intention to return for oil production in Ogoni despite the allegations that we are coming back to resume operation”.
In her speech, Managing Director, RoboMichael Nigeria Limited, Mrs Arobo Ibrahim noted that there were lots of misconceptions about the licence issued to her company, clarifying that what was granted RoboMichael was a preliminary approval in June, 2017, to provide the needed technical aspects leading up to the clean-up and restoration of Ogoniland.
Ibrahim stressed that Ogoni people have the choice to benefit from the natural resources God has given them, adding that whatever was due Ogonis would be given them based on NNPC’s approved standards.
She appealed to Ogonis to be united in their quest to achieve peace and fast-track development of the area.
Ogoni delegation to the parley included the leadership of MOSOP, KSWA, KAGOTE, representatives of traditional rulers, youth and professional groups, among others.
In addition to the top echelon of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the other oil companies at the meeting were the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC; SPDC; and RoboMichael.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Niger Delta

PIA: Bayelsa Engages Oil Firms, Dev Trusts On Transparency …Set To Issue New Operation Guidelines

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The Bayelsa State Government has charged oil companies and host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) to be transparent and accountable in the implementation of policies and projects in oil bearing communities as spelt out in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stated this recently while presiding over a meeting between representatives of Egbema-Angalabiri, Agbidiama Communities and Renaissance Africa Energy Company, formerly SPDC, at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He expressed concern over the incessant cases of intra-community conflicts and threats to shut down the operations of oil companies.
Ewhrudjakpo identified lack of transparency in the award of contracts, mismanagement of funds and employment opportunities in most communities.
To checkmate this, he said the state government has directed that henceforth all oil companies operating in the State should disclose the full content of the Free to Operate (FTO) agreements signed with the leadership of any community or its representatives to the entire community.
According to the Deputy Governor, government has equally directed the oil firms to make available copies of the FTOs to the State Ministry of Mineral Resources within two weeks of signing such documents to enable it keep track of the firms’ engagements with their host communities.
Commenting on the Egbema-Angalabiri internal conflict, he cautioned the youths against shutting down the operations of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, describing the problem in the community as self-inflicted.
He also advised the community to open and operate a central community account with three officials, including the Amananawei, Community Development Committee Chairman and the women leader, as signatories to check embezzlement of community funds.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who warned the communities against subletting contracts, especially when they have the local capacity and competency to handle such jobs, also directed the PIA management and host communities development trust boards to render periodic accounts to their various communities.
“Every FTO signed, a copy of it should be deposited with the Ministry of Mineral Resources within two weeks. Once an FTO is signed, those who signed it must disclose the full content of the FTO to the entire community. All jobs, unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled, must be announced to the community and the community takes the decision as to who should be employed.
“All companies operating must disclose fully the prevailing contract sum for any contract that is being awarded, and no contract should be subsidized, except at the request of the community.
“PIA members must report periodically, preferably monthly, to their communities. You must give account of what is happening to your communities.
“Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) shall not award contracts without reference or recourse to the communities.
“These are some of the operational guidelines we have decided to take to the Governor for approval. Thereafter, a circular will be issued by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and all oil companies will comply.
“We are doing this to complement the PIA, and most importantly, to checkmate the recurring cases of internal conflicts in almost all the oil bearing communities across our state. We want to ensure peace by all lawful means”, he said.
Speaking earlier, a stakeholder of Egbema-Angalabiri Community, Hon Selekebina Saboh, expressed total support for the proposed operational guidelines of the state government.
While thanking government for its effort towards restoring peace in the community and industrial harmony for companies operating in the area, Hon Saboh said the issue of embezzling community funds would have been avoided if the community had supported him in kicking against the use of the personal account of successive CDC chairmen.
While giving account of his stewardship, the immediate past CDC Chairman of Egbema-Angalabiri, Mr. Timadi Sambo, who was alleged to have mismanaged about N40 million belonging to the community, described the allegation as spurious and unfounded.
The meeting was attended by the paramount rulers, CDC chairmen and women and youth leaders of Egbema-Angalabiri and Agbidiama communities, as well as representatives of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, and top government functionaries.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Aide Lauds Oborevwori On Infrastructure, Educational Dev

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As Delta State marks the second anniversary of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, renowned administrator and education strategist, Mr. Clement Siakpere, has commended the Governor for what he described as remarkable strides in infrastructure and educational development across the state.
Siakpere, who is Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, in a statement, noted that Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the delivery of good governance through his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
“Two years into his administration, Governor Oborevwori has proven his critics wrong. From the commissioning of key road projects to the rehabilitation, the construction of schools and the recruitment of qualified teachers, the Governor has shown great leadership with a human face”, Siakpere said.
The former Registrar of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, commended Governor Oborevwori on the multiple road projects and medical equipment inaugurated in Warri, such as the construction and dualisation of major roads in urban and rural communities, as well as the upgrade of educational facilities across the three senatorial districts.
According to him, these projects are not only improving the quality of life for residents, but also laying the foundation for long-term socio-economic growth.
Siakpere also praised the administration’s investments in technical education and youth empowerment, describing the recently completed Omadino Technical College, Omadino, in Warri South Local Government Area, as “bold steps toward reducing unemployment and improving skill acquisition among the younger population.”
He urged Deltans to continue supporting the Oborevwori administration, adding that sustainable development requires collective effort and consistent leadership.
“Governor Oborevwori’s performance within just two years offers a glimpse into what is possible with purposeful governance. If this pace is sustained, Delta State will certainly witness a new era of prosperity and inclusion”, he said.
Governor Oborevwori, who took office on May 29, 2023, has consistently emphasised his resolve to build on the achievements of past administrations while charting a new course for inclusive development in the State.

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Niger Delta

PDP Chieftain Lauds Tinubu Over Ogbuku’s Appointment …Thumbs Up MD’s Strides

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The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party/Acting Zonal Scribe, South-South of the party, Barrister George Turnah, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing-Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Turnah, who described the President as visionary, said Ogbuku’s appointment has again shown his love for the Niger Delta region, noting that it has brought tremendous developmental programmes and projects to the oil rich region.
He described the current management team of the agency as an assemblage of the most effective and visionary leadership team from the inception of the commission.
Making the commendation when he visited Ogbuku at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the week, he specifically expressed satisfaction with the developmental projects carried out by the agency in Bayelsa State.
“The PDP under my leadership and Bayelsans in general are particularly proud of your initiatives, projects and achievements, MD.
“Thank you for lighting up the Niger Delta with the programme, ‘Operation Light Up the Niger Delta’ with solar-powered lights.
“Thank you for the completion of the 132/33KVA power sub-station in Ondo State, the completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, and other numerous projects and programmes ongoing under your leadership of the NDDC across the Niger Delta”, Turnah said.
The party chieftain, who also praised Ogbuku for successfully kick-starting the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, said another milestone achievement by the NDDC boss was the successful hosting of the Niger Delta Summit.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is visible, the impact is seen in all the Niger Delta States through several fora, particularly with Ogbuku at the helm of affairs in the NDDC”, the PDP chairman added.
In his remarks, the NDDC, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer said he was delighted over Turnah’s visit, calling for greater collaboration among political leaders of the region, noting also that the region’s political and economic interests would be better protected if leaders worked together not minding their political leanings and party affiliations.
“Turnah, my brother and friend, I want to thank you for the visit. I must be honest to say that this visit has again underscored my consistent call for synergy amongst political leaders in the Niger Delta region irrespective of party differences and ideological leanings.
“With collaboration and partnership the Niger Delta region will be better for it”, Ogbuku said.

 

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

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