News

N’Delta Republic: Groups Warn Avengers …As COAS Threatens Military Option

Published

9 years ago

July 27, 2016

The Foundation for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (FHRACC) and the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), both in Delta State, yesterday, called on the Adaka Boro Avengers (ABA), to abort their plan to declare a Republic of Niger Delta, on August 1.
The groups, in separate statements in Warri, and made available to The Tide, said the move does not enjoy the support of right- thinking indigenes of the region.
The statements were signed by FHRACC National President, Alaowei Cleric and CEPEJ National Coordinator, Sheriff Mulade.
According to FHRACC: “the growing threats by some militant groups, particularly the Adaka Boro Avengers to declare Niger Delta Republic on August 1, 2016, does not conform with the tenets of the Niger Delta struggle.
“The foundation of the struggle is well-captured in the various declarations by the ethnic nationalities in the region such as the Kaiama Declaration, the Ogoni Bill of Rights etc. Although all the declarations anchored their demands on self-determination within the Nigerian federation, none of them proposed to declare Niger Delta as an independent state from Nigeria.
“Niger Deltans are requesting for economic and political autonomy within the Nigerian state. If the militants are fighting for the genuine cause of the region, then they should not make matters worst for the people,” the group said.
It added: “If an independent Niger Delta Republic should be an option, then they must use civilised means to pursue their agenda.”
FHRACC noted, “already, Maj. Jasper Adaka Boro of blessed memory had raised the bar for armed confrontation, and over the years, militants in the region have been engaging the Federal Government in armed conflicts.
“There are times armed struggle is not lucrative to achieving one’s aim. The world has evolved from armed struggle into intellectual struggle. Let the militants use non-violent approach to pursue their aim. All the various ethnic nationalities in the country have lent their voices to the need for Nigerians to renegotiate our unity.
“Niger Delta militants should also toe the same line by joining other Nigerians to push for our twin demands of Sovereign National Conference and Referendum. In the world today, struggle for independence through referendum is the only acceptable platform. The militants should take a cue from the recent world history,” it emphasised.
The group, however, called on President Muhammadu Buhari “to commit genuine effort to addressing the impasse,” adding, “the Federal Government’s divide and rule tactics or better still, lackadaisical attitude towards the region cannot resolve the crisis.”
It said, “We sense Mr President has given in to mischief makers who are averse to dialogue and have commended military approach. For the sake of peace and our corporate existence, President Buhari should not shy away from dialoguing with the militants. What is happening in the Niger Delta has further supported the need to renegotiate the Nigeria’s unity.
“Mr President, please save Nigeria from imminent precipice by allowing Nigerians to decide their future existence through a referendum,” FHRACC added.
Similarly, CEPEJ urged Adaka Boro Avengers to “give peace a chance and take advantage of the Federal Government dialogue because no meaningful development can take place in a rancorous environment.”
The statement, said: “Adaka Boro Avengers should abort their alleged plan to declare Niger -Delta Republic on August 1 because Niger Deltans do not support it.
“We know successive governments neglected, deprived and underdeveloped the region in spite of her huge contributions to the national economy. But what we need now is constructive engagement with the Federal Government since President Buhari has considered dialogue as the best option to engage the stakeholders and find a lasting solution to the lingering quest for development towards ending militancy,” CEPEJ asserted.
The group also implored government to show sincerity of purpose for the people “to have confidence in what he is doing, while Mr President should personally lead the dialogue process to achieve the desired result.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, has threatened that the Nigerian Army would deploy full military action in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, if dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers fails.
Buratai, said this in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the commissioning of the 2 Brigade Command administrative office complex at Bori Camp.
The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-Gen Ibrahim Atahiru, said the Federal Government was still committed to dialogue with the militant group, but that government could resort to other means, if dialogue failed.
“The non-kinetic has always been the source first before government can recourse to the kinetic means. There is the need for the Niger Delta Avengers to see reason and dialogue with government,” he said.
He commended the 2 Brigade Command for the completion of the office complex, saying that the office block would improve the operational efficiency and capability of officers and men of the command.
The Army chief later commissioned other projects at the command, including the swimming pool, office complex for regiment officers as well as building blocks at the Military Hospital.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Josephine Atagana

News

Association Seeks Government Intervention in Desilting of Canal

Published

14 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.

The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.

The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.

The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.

According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.

“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.

“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.

“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.

The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful completion of the Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).

They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.

“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.

“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”

The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the construction of all internal roads in the area.

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It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.

According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .

“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.

“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.

“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:

” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.

“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.

“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.

By: John Bibor

News

Rivers Judges Begin Christmas Vacation Dec 23

Published

16 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.

The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.

The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.

By: Akujobi Amadi

News

Govt-Approved Land Authority Emerges In Alesa To End Land Grabbing

Published

16 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.

The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.

The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.

Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.

“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.

“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.

“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.

“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.

“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.

According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).

“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.

“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,

“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.

“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.

Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”

Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.

He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.

He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.