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Dekor Lauds Wike On Proactive Measures To Check Illegal Bunkerers
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for steps being taken to tackle the activities of operators of illegal crude oil refineries popularly called ‘Kpo-fire’ by declaring those behind the unwholesome business wanted, and personally visiting identified sites in Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas of the state.
‘Kpo-fire’ business is a local oil refining process of heating crude oil in fabricated oven to extract petroleum products while the residues are released into the environment, not minding the implication on the ecosystem and the health of the citizenry.
Dekor, who is the member representing Khana/Gokana in the House of Representatives, made the commendation while addressing a cross section of Rivers youths in Abuja.
He said the proactive steps taken by Wike to declare those behind the illegal business of ‘Kpo-fire’ wanted, apprehending many others and his visit to some sites would drastically reduce the menace of soot in the state.
“You all know that the state has been battling the challenge of soot worsened by the illegal business of refining petroleum products, popularly called ‘Kpo-fire’.
“You are also aware of the agony, pains and sicknesses associated with the environmental hazard, which has regularly contaminated the air in our dear state with devastating health implications.
“But thank God for the swift intervention of the governor and the successes recorded so far.
“You will recall, the governor had in his New Year broadcast, promised to tackle head-on illegal crude oil refining activities in the state for the collective health and survival of Rivers people.
“It is in view of this, that I want to thank the governor for his prompt action taken towards addressing this ugly trend,” he said.
Dekor called on all community leaders to join the state governor in the struggle to bring an end to illegal crude oil refining activities in their localities to stop the menace of soot in Rivers State by reporting those behind the illegal business to the law enforcement agencies.
The lawmaker also appealed to his constituents not to indulge in illegal crude oil refining activities, warning that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of the law.
He said the noticeable blanket of soot in the skies across the state, in our homes and on clothes was largely due to the upsurge in illegal bunkering business in the Niger Delta of which Rivers State appears to be one of the epicentres.
Dekor said: “Even when you walk on bare foot in your home, the sole of your feet turns black, wash your clothes and hang same outside, they are stained with black particles, you wipe your face with white handkerchief and it turns black, so, we are inhaling this dangerous black particles daily, which is very dangerous to our health”.
He also frowned at the seeming reluctance of the Federal Government and the relevant agencies to do something to mitigate the menace of soot in the state, and urged them to wake up to their responsibility to protect the lives of the people and those living in the region and the environment.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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