Issues
Climate Change, N’Delta And The World At Denmark
One of the World’s topical issues today is climate change and its implication to developed and developing nations. This issue can be compared with the global economic recession in some developed economies like USA and oil spill and environmental pollution in developing nation like Nigeria. This issue has become more imperative, given that the world will gather to deliberate on the same in December 7, at Denmark.
Climate change, according to frame work convention on climate change is defined as “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activities that alter the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable period”.
From this definition it is obvious that climate change may be natural or human caused. Some of the human causes of climate changes are: gas flaring, dust from cement industries, burning of fossil fuels, electricity generating industries, burning of bushes, deforestation, green house gasses, spray from pesticides, air conditioners and waste from industries. One of the most human induced climate changes came from gas flare. Gas flare gives rise to green house effect which, include (water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxide, menthsine, chloro fluro carbon and ozone). These substances trap heat in the atmosphere instead of allowing it to radiate back into space.
It is important to note that without the green house gasses, the earth will be about 60o cooler than it is today and life will be impossible meaning that there are positive sides of the green house gases.
However, human activities enhance the green house effect primarily by burning fossil fuel (coal, oil and natural gas). These fuels are stored carbon, formed from organic matters, burning them return carbon to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide, the gas that contributes most of the enhanced green house effect. Other green house gasses are less common than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere but have potent effect. There are nitrogen oxides, (chloro fluro carbon). These have impact to the atmosphere.
The negative consequence of climate change include but not limited to global warming, plant and animal depletion and extinction, respiratory and other diseases, severe storm leading to flooding and the spread changes in ecological imbalance. The net consequence of this is that these regions and places can not adequately address the problem of hunger and poverty occasioned by climate change.
Nigeria is a Federation of 36 States and 776 Local Government Areas; it has a unique Federal Constitution. A strong centre and weak States and Local Government Areas.
The constitution is the grand norm of the people controlling the activities of the states and creating areas of jurisdiction for the various tiers of government. Powers are shared between the Federal Government (central government) and the corresponding States and Local Government Authorities. Nigeria runs a bicameral legislature at the centre, a single and monolithic economy derived from oil and gas. Crude oil and gas account to 800% of the export earning for the country. The said crude oil is found and located in the Niger Delta region of the country. The Niger Delta region is made up of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States. But for political and selfish interests, the geographical location of Niger Delta has extended to Edo, Ondo, Akwa lbom, Cross River, Abia, and lmo States. All these states are located in the southern part of the country. The total land mass of both Natural and political Niger Delta is 70,000 KM2 square meters.
The main feature of these regions apart from the presence of highly prized crude oil is the low topography and the geology is made up of homogeneous sedimentary rocks. The region displays a typical dendrite drainage pattern. This is because most of the tributaries join main Rivers at oblique angles. There are thick forest and marine environment, high vegetation, costal areas like creeks, rivers and sea beds. The region has also the greatest wet land in Africa and mangrove forest in West Africa.
Since 1956 the region has become synonymous with resources of Nigeria. It is said that crude oil exploitation has accounted for over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange and over 80% of the nation’s (GDP) as well as 95% of the National Budget.
The Niger Delta people are very bard working people and contribute to the National economy through Agriculture. The major occupation is fanning and fishing both at subsistence and commercial levels and also contributing to the food need of the country.
In this region, are key major oil and gas companies and multinational corporations. Some of these companies include SHELL BP, GULF, MOBIL, TOTAL, ELF, AGIP SAFRAP, TEXACO, CHEVRON. Some of these companies carry out exploratory activities while others carry out geological and seismic activities. The search for oil includes such activities as seismic and geological, exploratory, production, refming and transportation of final product either through the marine vessels or through trucks. Each of these activities leave behind, environmental problems and degradation one of which is gas flaring leading to green house effect and global warmingi.
Although, the Nigerian government through the Nigeria National Petroleum corporation entered into a joint ventures with some of these oil companies, the level of environmental pollution and degradation in the region where the prospecting and exploration take place has not improved . Oil spill takes place almost every day in tins Nigeria
Since 1956 the region has become synonymous with resources of Nigeria. It is said that crude oil exploitation has accollilted for over 900/0 of the nation’s foreign exchange and over 80% of the nation’s (GDP) as well as 95% of the National Budget.
The Niger Delta people are very hard working people and contribute to the National economy through Agriculture. The major occupation is farming and fishing both at subsistence and commercial levels and also contributing to the food need of the country.
In this region, are key major oil and gas companies and multinational corporations. Some of these companies include SHELL BP, GULF, MOBIL, TOTAL, ELF, AGIP SAFRAP, TEXACO, CHEVRON. Some of these companies cany out exploratory activities while others cany out geological and seismic activities. The search for oil includes such activities as seismic and geological, exploratory, production, refining and transportation of final product either through the marine vessels or through trucks. Each of these activities leave behind, environmental problems and degradation one of which is gas flaring leading to green house effect and global warming.
Although, the Nigerian government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation entered into a joint ventures with some of these oil companies, the level of environmental pollution and degradation in the region where the prospecting and exploration take place has not improved 14. Oil spill takes place almost every day in the region.
The nationalization of the oil and mineral resources by the federal government of Nigeria has not help matters. This region that produces the crude, rather than having good shares in the benefit of the natural resources are exposed to environmental pollution and degradation from the oil prospecting and exploratory companies. This has led to the high level of insecurity in the region and agitation for resource control and management as can be seen in the case of A.G OF ABIA STATE AND 36 ORS VS. A.G FEDERATION.
The Nigeria government set up an emission target for 2004. There is also an LNG in Bonny in Rivers State for abolition of flare since 2004. but due to non corporation by multinational cooporations, the date has been extended to 2010 and thereafter emission of gas still continue because of lack of cooperation from (MNC) and industries in Nigeria.
AI-GORE (2007) had to say that the negative effect of climate change would be severe for poor nations. Gas flare shall be felt by poor region and poor people of the World. The Niger Delta people are said to be the poorest in Nigeria and Africa living below $1 (US) dollar per day. Diseases, hunger, unemployment, poor infrastructural facilities, plant and animal extinction, flooding, desertification, are the common feature of these regions. This region is very vulnerable to climate change and the negative effect.
This essay is therefore, intended to examine, the effect of climate change on the oil and gas producing region of Nigeria. The study will also include providing solution to the climate changes and the adverse effect on the rich region and poor people of the Niger Delta. .The study will involve, evaluating the United Nation Conference on human environment 1972 at Stockholm.. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development of 1972 and the KYOTO Protocol of 1994 open for signature in 1998. Attempt would be made to find out the reason for the exclusion of the developing nation from the framework plan on climate change and the preparedness of the Niger Delta region to natural disaster given the fragile ecosystem induced by decade of oil exploratory activities in the region locally too, some oil companies have constructed some gas recycling plants and others are cuing from there. Internationally, awareness in this regard has been created by the United Nation Conference of 1972 in Stockholm, the Rio declaration on Environment and Development in 1997, the KYOTO protocol of 1994. In fact the present Copenhagen conference of head of states is aimed at enlarging and expanding the activities and conclusion reached in KYOTO (JAPAN) as some of tile decisions and actions plans have been rested and tried with minimal progress in this regard. A new approach perhaps need to be adopted by the meeting of the heads of states this time around to reach an acceptable globally binding agreement on climate change.
Unarguable, both locally and internationally climate change is being addressed but will the adverse consequences arising from the unregulated use of the air and its component completely phase out as a result of these efforts? How can the natural causes of climate change be handled by the conference? For us in Nigeria and Niger Delta, these questions call for answers. This is more so, as oil production is on daily basis, injustices are springing up hourly, local method of refuse disposal system are on the increase, bush burning for fuel cards and grazing are part of our national lives.
Indeed, it is almost true to say that these factors are endemic and thus cannot be totally eradicated. What are therefore the solution particularly taken into account the vulnerability of the Niger Delta people?
Firstly, alternative energy use must be put in place; such energy use like wind and solar energy must be embraced. This will reduce the present energy regime of burning electlicity and churning out carbondioxide. The alternative energy left will erase or reduce the use of generators that is a common place in every house hold in Nigeria. Therefore, rather than generating more mega watts of electricity without knowing the dangerous implication of the effect to the people of Nigeria, as quoted by the vice president, recently, more effort be directed at engaging in wind and solar energy as practiced currently in advance and developed societies.
Secondly, clean development mechanism as currently in place in USA should be totally embraced. This involves all friendly environmental practices that are not only sustainable but will endure all weather and remain human friendly. These practices will eradicate the growth of carbon emission companies; encourage the adoption of petroleum production, distribution processes that are environmentally safe and friendly, a safe refuse disposal systems, alternative local cooking energy system, and alternative use of fallowed bush for Agriculture that will not involve buming, plant treatment chemicals and a lot more.
In addition to the above short term measures out- lined above, the government of Nigeria should, as a matter of urgency, place more emphasis now on Agriculture and other alternative import and export sources of income rather than the oil and gas sectors. More than any other factor, gas flare and carbon emission from the oil and gas companies have contributed more to climate change in the Niger Delta region than any other factor. If the government does not see beyond the amnesty and continue to dig deep into devastating sector (oil and gas), then the lives of the Niger Delta people is not only short- changed but shall remain precarious. The time to act is now, even as the Nation awaits the outcome of the meeting of the heads of states and government at Copenhagen Denmark on climate change, we must warn ourselves of the impending natural disaster in this region. Noting that natural disasters are not preventable but its effect can be minimised by conscious positive act from human beings. Climate change can be reduced by concerted positive actions by man that will improve his environment.
The poor people and region of the Niger Delta should be prepared to face any natural disaster, but we plead God’s mercy and pray that our leaders act now and listen to the world in Denmark come December 7.
S. C. Dike
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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