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Ebocha Threatens Agip Operations
Ebocha community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State seems likely to be the next stop for insecurity arising from a simmering oil company/host community relationship.
This time, it is due to alleged neglect by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to dialogue with their host, Ebocha community, for the purpose of producing an implementable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would redress what the community tagged “sustained neglect” of the people.
In an exclusive interview, President of Ebocha Youth Association (EYA), Comrade Ernest Onwuadi, revealed that the community’s bone of contention with NAOC is the company’s reluctance to recognise Ebocha as a distinct community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and accord it due respect, particularly in terms of treating the community as host and according them due benefits accruable from the company’s oil exploration and exploitation activities.
Consequently, all stakeholders in the community, “the traditional stool, Community Development Committee (CDC) and EYA” have resolved to give the company an additional seven days ultimatum, following the expiration of an initial 14 days ultimatum, to dialogue with the community or face stoppage of all activities in the community.
“We are calling for peace now and begging NAOC in order to avoid unpleasant consequences that may arise if the management of NAOC refuses to recognize Ebocha as an entity, and dialogue with us. We have made our position known to all stakeholders on this matter, he said.
“Ebocha is a well recognised community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The traditional stool, CDC and EYA are certified by the Rivers State Government, but for no just reason, NAOC and its subsidiaries have not only refused to accord us recognition, but also ignored us and ensured that we do not get our due from their oil activities on our land”, he added.
Comrade Onwuadi explained that “the company has insistently refused to recognize and negotiate with us in sustainable development programmes as host community suffering from the adverse effects of their activities in the area.
“This particular matter has been reported to the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and other state government authorities which subsequently led the government to visit Ebocha community and recommended that NAOC reaches a Memorandum of Understanding or General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the community.
“NAOC subsequently requested for information about the community for documentation in the records of the company’s host community profile, for which details of Ebocha community was forwarded to the management of NAOC since April 2009 for necessary action”, emphasised.
“But since then, the company has not only refused to call us for discussion, but has continued to deprive us of our due, while diverting our rights, entitlements and privileges”, Onwuadi pointed out.
Attempts to reach the Divisional Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Bari Nwibani through two of his telephone numbers proved abortive as he neither picked calls made to him, nor responded to text message sent to him.
Further attempts to get comments from the Community Relations Manager, Chief Franklyn Okoromah via telephone also came to naught as his line was switched off.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
