Rivers

RSG Debunks Alleged MEND Attack On Oil Installations

Published

16 years ago

December 23, 2009

The Rivers State Government, Sunday, described as false the alleged attack on an oil installation in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminetari in a chat with newsmen, said all the oil installations in Rivers State are intact, and that no damage has been detected in any part of the state.

She said no oil company operating in the state has reported any damage on their pipelines or facilities anywhere within the state.

According to the commissioner; “there is no iota of truth, not a single iota of truth. The fact is that all the oil installations in Rivers State are intact; no damage has been done to any pipe anywhere. We have sent security agents to verify, and as I am speaking to you, the information we have is that Shell has all its oil installations intact, all other oil companies have their installations intact, Abonnema is peaceful, the people of Rivers State are ready to welcome the Christmas celebration, every body is keen right now, and so there is actually no problem”.

Mrs Seminetari, however, advice the people of Rivers State who wish to travel for the Christmas season to riverine communities to do so without fear of molestation.

She said that Rivers State is calm, and that security has improved, “was there is no reason for worry, security in Rivers State has been very much taken care of, and the Governor of Rivers State has invested time, not only in security but in development projects, so the people of Rivers State are happy. No body is interested in making trouble”.

The commissioner also called on Rivers State indigenes outside the state and abroad to come and partake in the beauty that the state has become.

However, the MEND, Saturday said that it has broken the cease fire agreement with the federal government as it is said that it attacked a major Shell/Chevron crude oil pipeline located in Abonnema.

About 35 militants belonging to the group armed with rocket launchers, heavy calibre machine guns and assault rifles carried out the attack, MEND claimed.

Jomo Gbomo, spokesman of MEND, who confirmed the attack, said the operation which was carried out in five boats was a warning strike and added that MEND would review the indefinite cease-fire it ordered Sunday, October 25 within thirty days from December 19.

The MEND spokesperson said the militant group decided to carry out the attack because “while the Nigerian government has conveniently tied the advancement of talks on the demands of the group to a sick president, it has not tied the repair of pipelines, exploitation of oil and gas as well as the development and re-tooling of troops in the region to the president’s ill-health”.

Spokesman for Chevron and Shell did not respond to calls for comment Saturday morning but a repentant militant leader, Ateke Tom, has condemned the attack with advice to all repentant militants involved in the President Yar’Adua’s amnesty deal to remain patient and committed to the agreement.

Corlins Walter

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor