News
Ekpeye Demands Fresh GMoU, Four More Cluster Boards From SPDC
The communities in Ekpeye ethnic nationality have asked Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to create fresh Group Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) as well as four more cluster boards in the area, warning that anything short of it may truncate the existing peaceful operations enjoyed by the company for the past years across the communities.
In a letter under the aegis of Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association (EOGPHFA), and addressed to the company’s managing director, dated May 26,, 2021, the group is demanding for creation of additional four cluster boards out of the existing one to reflect the five kingdoms that make up the host communities of SPDC.
The letter, which was signed by its National Chairman, Comrade Dogini Chidi; Secretary, Comrade Kenneth Itigwe; also includes 30 community development committee chairmen.
The group listed Adibawa Field OML 27, Ubie Field OML 22, Ahia Field OML 21, Mini Nta Field OML 22, Trans Niger, Kolo Creek-Rumuekpe Trunk/Flow lines, Enwe Field OML 22 as oil wells domiciled in the area and transverse across the communities of Ekpeye ethnic nationality.
The group described SPDC’s actions relating to the signing of the previous one, as “Unacceptable, barbaric, wicked and a grave injustice by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to deny the host communities from making inputs on the draft, and decisions taken unilaterally for the allocation of N90million annually, as money meant for the one cluster board, for the development of the entire communities of Ekpeye ethnic nationality.
“The said amount does not reflect the demands of the host communities, as the money allotted/earmarked for development in a year for the next five years by SPDC is less than the amount contained in an MoU signed by one of the IOCs for a year in one of the communities currently”, they argued.
They, therefore, frowned at SPDC’s continuous use of the mundane and outdated ‘divide and rule’ tactics in their community engagement policy, noting that such has subjected the people to untold hardship and agony.
They also warned that SPDC may face a massive protest from the people if it fails to respond to its demands at the expiration of 14 days of receipt of the letter.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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