News
Netherlands Slams FG Over N’Delta Crisis …Shell Won’t Quit Region- Official
At a historic public hearing, yesterday, at The Hague, Netherlands, the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Bert Ronhaar, defended the operations of oil multinational, Shell, in the Niger Delta, saying the Nigerian government should be held responsible for past crises in the oil rich region.
The envoy also said corruption was killing the country’s oil industry.
The investigative hearing on Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta was organised by the Economic Affairs Committee of the Dutch Lower Parliament (Tweede Kamer) following reports on abuses of best practices by Shell and its failure to clean-up spill sites in the Niger Delta.
Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria is a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell, with headquarters in The Hague.
Ronhaar said as a deliberate policy, Shell was becoming more open in its operations in Nigeria and that the greater blame for the situation in the Niger Delta should be dumped on the Nigerian government, which he said benefited more from the joint venture relationship with oil firms.
According to him, corruption had made doing business in Nigeria very difficult compared to other countries in Africa. “From my perspective, Shell is not responsible for the conflict in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian government should be held responsible. Ninety-five per cent of the profit from the joint venture between Shell and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) goes to the government.
“SPDC exploits 75 per cent of the oil and gas in Niger Delta. So, it is understandable if it faces greater challenges in the region. But Shell is doing a lot in its host communities regardless of the criticisms against it.
“Nigeria is a very difficult country to work in compared to other countries in Africa. There is a lot of corruption in Nigeria,” Ronhaar said.
President of Shell Netherlands, Mr Peter de Wit, however, described Nigeria as a very important country in Africa whose economic potential cannot be underestimated. Contrary to reports, he maintained, Shell was not thinking about quitting the Niger Delta. “Nigeria will determine the future of Africa and Shell is determined to be a part of that future. We have many highly successful projects in Nigeria and it is a very important economy. Shell is not thinking about quitting Nigeria or the Niger Delta,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President of Shell Sub-Sahara Africa, Mr I. Craig, said between 2008 and 2010, 88 of its personnel were kidnapped in the Niger Delta. Kidnapping, militancy and corruption, he noted, had frustrated the company, forcing it to scale down its operations even though it has not lowered its standard.
Responding to a question on when Shell would end gas flares in the Niger Delta, Craig dithered, saying the security situation was a big challenge.
“Despite our commitment, SPDC has not been able to reduce gas flares because of the security challenges. It all depends on how well the amnesty programme succeeds. All I can say is that ending gas flares would be as soon as possible,” he said. The oil giants, however, got serious bashing from majority of the parliamentarians and non-governmental organisations at the hearing for failing to observe best practices in the Niger Delta and accused it of double standards.
In his presentation, Nigerian-born President/Founder of Rotterdam-based Hope for Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC), Comrade Sunny Ofehe, described the public hearing as a decisive moment for the Niger Delta people and that a lot of stakeholders were waiting for the outcome.
Ofehe urged the parliament to be resolute in its investigation because from experience, Shell and other multinationals would try to scuttle the process. The Nigerian government was, however, not represented. It was gathered that the Nigerian embassy in The Netherlands queried why the hearing was held in the country and not in Nigeria.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
-
News4 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
News4 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News5 days agoNigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota As Production Hits 11-month High
-
Featured5 days agoJUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
-
Politics5 days agoSenate Extends 2025 Budget Implementation To Sept. 30
-
News5 days agoReps Pass State Police Bill
-
News4 hours agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20
-
News4 hours agoNDLEA Nets N6.15bn From Hotel, Seized Assets Auction