News
National Confab Resumes, Today …Threatens To Bar Media
The National Conference holding in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, that adjourned after its inaugural sitting last Tuesday reconvenes today, with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) cautioning delegates to be very thorough and conscientious in discussing issues without playing to the gallery.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council, Mr Chuks Ehirin, who spoke with The Tide at the conference’s venue yesterday in Abuja said, “we have heard about hidden agenda, which has been buttressed by the level of manipulation in the selection of delegates. But even at that, if a man brings you here because he is your friend, remember that you are here to represent either your people and Nigeria”.
The NUJ boss stated that “if you come here and take a wrong decision, it will live to hunt you for another 100 years. So, my advice to the delegates is to look at the problems of the country dispassionately and proffer sustainable solutions to them”.
Ehirin cautioned against vulgar language, parochialism and insensitivity in addressing the problems plaguing the nation, and called for a sense of patriotism that will ensure all the nagging issues are treated dispassionately.
Meanwhile, some delegates at the ongoing National Conference have urged Nigerians to take advantage of the conference’s website: www.nigerianationalconference2014.org, to offer useful suggestions that would enrich deliberations at the conference.
The delegates told newsmen in Abuja yesterday that Nigerians should access the website and pass on their suggestions to them.
The spokesman of Afenifere Renewal Group, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said the idea of a website for the conference was well-thought out.
According to him, the world is now in the digital age where information is passed through the internet.
A delegate of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Mr Steve Aluko, said the website would give public access to information about the conference and the delegates.
Aluko, an executive director, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), suggested that the contacts of every delegate should be published on the website.
According to him, it will enable the people, particularly, major stakeholders, the opportunity to monitor and also give their inputs into the agenda of the conference.
The Secretary-General, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Isaac Ighure, said the website was going to be of mutual benefit to the delegates and the general public.
Ighure said the platform would make it easy for the public to have an in-depth knowledge of issues that the delegates would be discussing about them and the country.
However, the National Conference has proposed to revoke accreditation granted media houses that published what it considers as, “unfair and offensive” report.
This is stated under Order 14-Miscellaneous of the National Conference Procedure Rules 2014 released to delegates on Thursday.
The rules says, “The Conference may grant approval to the representative of any media to attend the sitting of the Conference provided that if the media publishes a report of the proceedings which the Conference considers unfair, offensive and not a true reflection of what transpired, such permission may be revoked.”
The Conference Assistant Secretary, Communications, Mr. James Akpandem had at the inaugural sitting asked delegates to lodge complain of wrong reporting against any media house at the secretariat.
Chapter 2, Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution states, “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.
Meanwhile, Lagos lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has expressed fears that the National Conference Procedure Rules 2014 may serve as impediment to its success.
In an interview with our correspondent, Ozekhome who promised to commit his allowances to his charity foundation faulted certain provisions of the rules.
Specifically, he said Order 11 of the rules which provides that, “in case of failure to reach a resolution on the matter by consensus, it shall be decided by vote of three quarter majority” was an aberration.
According to him, considering the different matters like regional federation, fiscal federalism, state police, total resource control, parliamentarian system of government fiscal federalism, that are on top of the agenda of the conference, it would be difficult to achieve a three quarter majority.
“It would be practically impossible to get any consensus on any issue. Just in the same way it would be practically impossible to get people to vote to support an issue.
“In all these sensitive matters, can we get up to 75 percent or three quarter of delegates voting for an issue; I do not know.
“We may end up enthroning minority. If 74 percent voted for an issue and 26 voted against, it means that 74 percent has failed to cross hurdle. It means the 26 percent will carry the day,” he said.
Instead, Ozekhome advocated for a simple majority or two-third majority vote.
He also disagreed on the Order 13 which provides that, “Should the final report lead to the drafting of issues of law and policy, the Conference shall in consultation with the six Principal Officers of the Conference advise the government on the legal framework, legal procedures and options for integrating the decisions and outcomes of the National Conference into the Consultation and laws of the Country.”
Ozekhome said the provision was contrary to inaugural speech of President Goodluck Jonathan who said the decision of the conference could be subjected to a referendum.
He argued that, “Sovereignty belongs to the people. We are representing the people. Whatever we arrive at the end of the day should be taken back to the people for plebiscite or referendum, not to the National Assembly because they will kill it.
He also disagreed with Order nine which states that, “At plenary sessions each representative body shall speak through a delegate nominated by the representative body through its leadership.”
He said, “I do not see why three nominees of a state have to speak through one person. They are representing different interests even though they are from the same state. It could be their ethnic group; it could be their local government interest.”
It also warned delegates from assaulting or obstructing any officer of the Conference while in the execution of his duty.
Comptroller ,Rivers State Immigration Command, Mr Mike Longe (right), condoles Mr Okezie Kalu, father of Sunday Kalu (left), one of the applicants who died during recruitment exercise of Nigeria Immigration Service penultimate Saturday
Justus Awaji, Abuja
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi