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Stakeholders Okay Modular Refineries Plan …Projects Excite Buhari’s Aide

Published

9 years ago

February 20, 2017

Local refinery operators and some stakeholders in Bayelsa State yesterday commended the proposed liberalisation of modular refineries by the Federal Government to drive development in the Niger Delta region.
Acting President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, had during his last tour of oil communities announced that the Federal Government would establish modular refineries in the Niger Delta to drive its development strategy for the region. Owner and operator of an artisanal refinery in Bayelsa, Mr. Roland kiente told newsmen that the policy if implemented would transform the economic fortunes of the oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta.
“Those of us currently doing the business are pleased with the proposed plans by the Federal Government.
“We have been advocating for it for long and I have been very vocal in calling on government to come down to our level and assist.
“Our advice, however, is that government should not politicise it, they should identify those who are already in the business and leverage on their expertise also enhance their capacities.
“Those with some kind of experience will be easier to train for the pilot scheme.
“And we shall be more than willing to work with the government to showcase our skills, before now they had branded us illegal and saboteurs.
“But what we are doing is source crude and refine; it is those who sell the crude to us that are involved in illegality.
“Also that has been denting the image of the vocation of local refining; we are driven by entrepreneur instinct to survive.
“There is a big misconception, the artisanal refiners just like the big refineries buy crude from people who get it from illegal sources, so when the government comes in, everything will be formalised.
“With government involvement the revenue will be paid into government coffers rather than individuals who break pipelines to steal crude, it is those persons that are illegal not we that refine and sell’’, Kiente said.
In his reaction, Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor on Niger Delta Youth Matters, Mr. Kenedy West noted that the modular refinery concept was a novel concept that could transform the Niger Delta region.
“It is a strong answer to eliminate unsafe illegal refineries which are dangerous to our environment.
“The modular refinery is a perfect solution to the dangers of what our people are doing.
“Legitimizing it to make room for small investors, who may not have the capital to build big refineries can build smaller refineries.
“The benefits are so enormous amongst which is increasing the local refining capacity.
“It will organise the local refineries operators into companies and encourage the people of the region to invest in local refining according to the level of their capital under a controlled and regulated framework
“It is wonderful idea that we support but it involves a lot; and we all have to work together to achieve success from it, there is a role for stakeholders,” West said.
An Environmentalist, Mr. Alagoa Morris also applauded the government for acceding to the yearnings of the people but called for the establishment of standards to protect the environment.
He advocated for baseline Environmental Impact Assessment studies by experts and putting in place safety measures prior to establishment of the refineries to ensure they run in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“It is thumbs up to the government and we want the refineries to be driven by the Niger Delta people.
“They should be organised into cooperatives with ownership of shares and incorporation of real companies.
“( “Government should set the standards and enforce; it also should establish formal channels where the operators of the refineries should buy crude officially to check the menace of oil theft.
“The refineries will definitely provide job opportunities and help in tackling the security challenges in the region’’, Morris said.
An Ex-Militant leader, Mr. Ramsey Mukoro who also spoke in favour of the proposed modular refineries, noted that it would provide jobs for the teeming youths in oil communities.
He said that when young minds are meaningfully engaged, they would direct their youthful energies to productive ventures.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh says the Federal Government planned liberalisation of modular refineries will boost development in the oil rich Niger Delta region.
Boroh, who is also the Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, assured the people of the region that the proposed modular refineries in oil producing communities would usher in a new era in the Niger Delta region.
Gen. Boroh in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Yenagoa, reiterated the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to develop the Niger Delta region.
He maintained that the intention to make oil producing communities the hub for refining and related activities would put them in a better position to drive the local economy.
Boroh appealed to the youths to be calm, focused and more articulate in their quest for better living conditions and take advantage of the good gestures of the present administration.
The amnesty coordinator explained that the Federal Government is seeking better ways for Niger Delta people to participate in the development process of the region through meaningful engagements.
According to the amnesty boss, the Federal Government’s new partnership arrangement will bring about an unprecedented infrastructural development in the region.
Boroh commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for taking the pains to identify with the people through his tour of the region.
According to Boroh, the planned oil-communities-intervention-meeting by the Federal Government to chart short, medium and long term development blueprint was a strategy to enhance the socio-economic activities in the region.
He expressed the hope that with the proposed coming on stream of modular refineries, the ex-agitators and other youths in the region will be meaningfully engaged in decent jobs.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Phase II ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region in a reaction to the development, applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating his sincere wish for the people of the region,
The ex-agitators said that the option of allowing modular refineries to be located in oil bearing communities, speaks volume of the sincere intentions of the present administration towards the Niger Delta youths
Chairman of the Phase II ex-agitators,Mr Salvation Rifus, told newsmen that the tour of the oil communities by the acting president had shown that the Federal Government was committed to development .
He noted that the decision to allow the communities to legally operate modular refineries was the best thing that has happened to the people, describing it as a welcome development.

Featured

PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

Featured

Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

4 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor