News
MOSOP Squares For Fight With FG Over HYPREP Overhaul
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed concern at the inconclusiveness of the widely publicised overhaul of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), which, if concluded, would revitalise the Ogoni clean-up exercise.
A statement signed by the Secretary-General of MOSOP, Bari-ara Kpalap, indicated that “The progress of the project has been imprisoned by obvious inefficiency, lack of transparency and accountability, and related weaknesses.
“We recall that the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar, obtained Mr. President’s approval for the purpose since April hence we wonder why the restructuring exercise has remained inconclusive, many months thereafter.
“As it stands, it is Ogoni and her environment that are suffering. MOSOP would thus urge the minister to ensure the conclusion of the process as we enter the first months of 2021.
“We would equally call on the minister to expedite action on the constitution of the apex structures of HYPREP by calling for nominations from the relevant bodies captured in the agency’s governing gazette. The constitution of the Governing Council (GC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) would aid effective governance of the project including check and balance.
“However, we are concerned about reports making the rounds that there are moves to bring back Dr. Marvin Dekil to the agency. This will be unacceptable to MOSOP and an overwhelming majority of the Ogoni population. And we will use all civilize means to resist it.
“The failings of the Ogoni environmental recovery exercise seats squarely on the lapses of Dr. Dekil hence his return will not be helpful to the project and the good intention of Mr. President to resolve the Ogoni environmental crisis through the clean-up exercise. However, we would caution against succumbing to pressure by busybodies and economic demons. This, in our view, would put the minister’s good relationship with the Ogoni people at risk if our advice is not heeded.
“The former project coordinator emplaced a management approach, which held no regard for procedure and law. We are aware that he, against Nigeria’s procurement act, awarded livelihood contract valued at millions of naira and made a 100% upfront payment when the contractor has not even started work. This is lawlessness and violated the said procurement act. We are also aware of other similar violations.
“Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate our unwavering stance against water trucking to Ogoni communities. Facts abound of modern technologies that can adequately deal with the water issue without trucking. The water, we insist, has to be piped to all Ogoni communities and not a select few. Water, we would say for the umpteenth time, is the only benefit of the clean-up project that would be Ogoni wide.
“MOSOP would likewise advice that training of Ogoni youths, sustainable livelihood for our people and alternative employment for artisanal refiners amongst others be prioritized as we enter the New Year,” the statement added.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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