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Avengers Shelve Attack On Oil, Gas Facilities …As Ex-Militants Decry Non-Inclusion In Amnesty

Published

9 years ago

June 30, 2017

The militant group that threatened to unleash mayhem in Niger Delta as from today, New Delta Avengers has temporarily suspended hostilities, in deference to South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who intervened in the row between the militants and the state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
In an open letter to Clark, an Itsekiri high commander of the group, Ujato Etomi and three others, said: “With due respect and recognition of your outstanding commitment to the development of the oppressed, underdeveloped and very maligned people of the Niger Delta region, we write to you about our struggle to wrest oil producing communities of Delta State from the death grip of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in Delta State.
“First, we like to express our utmost appreciation for your intervention in our ultimatum to the Delta State governor over our grievance with his running of the affairs of the state, and particularly oil communities. We are aware of the efforts you are making to change the mind of the recalcitrant governor, and for this, we are grateful and hopeful that we won’t have to go back to the days of rage.
“In deference to your authority on issues involving our development and efforts to change the tide of perpetual underdevelopment and treatment as second class citizens of this nation, the highest command of the NDA has decided to shelve our planned attack on major oil facilities in the region from June 30, 2017,” the group announced.
It, however, asserted: “Sir, you are aware that we had earlier withdrawn the timeframe of our proposed strike. This was done with the intention to take the government unawares and to prove to all and sundry that we are not all about bark, we are more than able to accompany our noise with louder action.
“But your personal intervention and plea through PANDEF has made us take a second thought as we are now calling off the planned strikes.
“Without prejudice to any ongoing discussion with the Federal Government, we hope that the window of peace will afford you time to take up the issues as you promised with the Delta State Government.
“We are not oblivious of your concerns that our activities are capable of further causing adverse effects on crude production and derail your ongoing engagement with the Federal Government.
“But as we said in several statements, our grouse is not with the Federal Government. Our anger is with the present Delta State administration’s deliberate neglect and deprivation of oil-bearing communities in the state, and underfunding of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), since the swearing-in of this government in 2015,” it added.
The Avengers said: “Deltans and our people in the oil and gas producing areas cannot forgot that during the 2015 election campaign, the opposition parties accused Okowa and the PDP of planning to allegedly scrap DESOPADEC. We were told that he would do this so that money will be available for him to develop Ika land and other parts of the north.
“Despite denials, all indications now point to the truth of those statements, because since Okowa became governor, the commission has been starved of funds, and all resources available to the state are now being used to develop his homeland, yet he continues to sing his ‘Ego Aria’ songs to other parts of Delta State,” the group stated.
It’s words: “Chief Edwin Clark, as our leader and father, you have access to records and data, please take time to crosscheck the percentage and costs of projects that are being done in Okowa’s areas and what he is doing in the Itsekiri, Isoko, Ijaw, Ndokwa and Urhobo areas. As a leader who has the barometer to gauge the feelings of the people of oil communities from across the state, you are definitely aware that the people are not happy because of their well-being.
“There is a lot of dissatisfaction and it is just a matter of time before pipelines and oil platforms become victims. This is why we enjoy support from every tribe and clan that produces oil and gas in delta state,” the militant group said.
According to the Avengers: “It is therefore a big surprise that despite all these signals, the governor in a crystal-clear show of his detachment from what is happening in the state, accused us of being foreigners and people from outside the state. Our plan is to prove him wrong and show him and the Federal government that we are sons and daughters of the land, who have seen our fathers and mothers, friends, brothers and sister die from deprivation and hunger.
“We want to show the governor that we know the land and how to hit where it hurts most. Oil producing area of Delta State and in the Niger Delta as a whole have been suffering in the past, but our pain and torment have not been so strong that we have become totally hopeless. Those who have contract cannot pay their workers, the communities where projects are located cannot benefit so the project become a problem to them.
“We are suffering and dying, our father, but it is better to die fighting that lay prostrate as some of our leaders, elders and the likes of HOSTCOM have been doing to the Asaba power instead of speaking the truth,” it added.
The group continued: “On Okowa’s statement that we are not from Delta but foreigners, we want to ask: Which foreigners can be so touched and committed to the suffering of people outside their land that they want to put their lives and resources on the line for the welfare of the people the man who is their governor has abandoned?
“Nonetheless, we have decided to give peace a chance as directed by you, our father, to show our respect and support for you commitment and dedication despite the odds. We though want to reiterate that our retreat is not total; it is bound by the time we face.
“Sir, we are giving you the requested window for your intervention, but we will not demobilize our armaments, hardware and men from locations where they have been camping since they were dispatched three weeks ago until we are sure of positive result from your intervention.
“We like to also appeal to you that as you work towards the resolution of this matter, our earlier demands are sacrosanct because there can be no peace without justice.
“We demand that the government must begin projects that reflect the statuses of oil-bearing communities as ‘the geese that lay the golden egg in the state’. We demand similar commitment to payments of contractors handling jobs in Okowa’s areas and those in our land.
“There must be a commitment to funding DESOPADEC in order to save the lives of contractors who are dying from the burden of debts and hopeless because of non-funding of the commission. Okowa must release over N40billion funds due to the commission since 2015 when he was sworn-in.
“The law setting up DESOPADEC is clear on funding; let the governor give to the oil-bearing communities what is their due. All outstanding funds must be released.
“And, the state House of Assembly must also ensure that monies entitled to the commission are not only released, but are adequately monitored to ensure that they are utilised for projects.
“Our national leader, please also impress on the Federal Government that it is time that they start paying oil revenues directly to the host communities because the present system put communities at the mercy of politicians, who lord over the funds and force the communities to come cap-in-hand begging for what is due them.
“We will not fold our hands and look helplessly while our people are being robbed blind by politicians and their cohorts. We remain committed to the development of our communities and those who are committed to the cause,” the group warned.
Meanwhile, some former warlords in the Niger Delta have decried the unending tussle to get them enlisted in the Federal Government-backed Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The aggrieved youth from Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states told journalists in Yenagoa that they had also written a protest letter to Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo after the amnesty office flouted several agreements with them.
They argued that 18 of their members embraced the programme under the third phase in 2012 and have since then not benefitted from the funds.
Leaders of the group include, Asenekiri Oyinle, Angiama-Owei Oyindoubra, John Government, Henry Gomoromo, John Sawyer, Trydi Okpeke, Dollar Motor, Selebi Ayowei, Bobra Angese and Ekerebi Umber.
They, thereafter, approached the Federal High Court in suit number FHC/YNG/CS/102/2013, but the amnesty office has refused to make any representations or embrace the out of court settlement option, the ex-militants said.

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Fubara Reads Riot Act To New SSG, CoS …Warns Against Unauthorized Meetings

Published

2 weeks ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.

The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.

Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.

Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.

He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.

Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.

The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.

“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.

“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.

Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.

He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.

Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.

“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.

“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.

The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.

While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.

He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.

The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.

The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.

He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.

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Fubara Dissolves Rivers Executive Council

Published

4 weeks ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

The governor announced the cabinet dissolution yesterday in a statement titled ‘Government Special Announcement’, signed by his new Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.

Governor Fubara directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

He thanked the outgoing members of the State Executive Council for their service and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

The three-paragraph special announcement read, “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has therefore directed all Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

“His Excellency further expresses his deepest appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council wishing them the best in their future endeavours.”

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INEC Proposes N873.78bn For 2027 Elections, N171bn For 2026 Operations

Published

4 weeks ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday told the National Assembly that it requires N873.78bn to conduct the 2027 general elections, even as it seeks N171bn to fund its operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure while presenting the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.

According to Amupitan, the N873.78bn election budget covers the full conduct of national polls in 2027.

An additional N171bn is needed to support INEC’s routine activities in 2026, including bye-elections and off-season elections, the commission stated.

The INEC boss said the proposed election budget does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps seeking increased allowances for corps members engaged as ad-hoc staff during elections.

He explained that, although the details of specific line items were not exhaustively presented, the almost N1tn election budget is structured across five major components.

“N379.75bn is for operational costs, N92.32bn for administrative costs, N209.21bn for technological costs, N154.91bn for election capital costs and N42.61bn for miscellaneous expenses,” Amupitan said.

The INEC chief noted that the budget was prepared “in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.”

On the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan disclosed that the Ministry of Finance provided an envelope of N140bn, stressing, however, that “INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171bn.”

The breakdown includes N109bn for personnel costs, N18.7bn for overheads, N42.63bn for election-related activities and N1.4bn for capital expenditure.

He argued that the envelope budgeting system is not suitable for the Commission’s operations, noting that INEC’s activities often require urgent and flexible funding.

Amupitan also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that if the commission develops its own network infrastructure, Nigerians would be in a better position to hold it accountable for any technical glitches.

Speaking at the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate the budgeting framework for INEC, given the unique and sensitive nature of its mandate.

He advocated that the envelope budgeting model should be set aside.

He urged the National Assembly to work with INEC’s financial proposal to avoid future instances of possible underfunding.

In the same vein, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, with funds released in full and on time to enable the Commission to plan early enough for the 2027 general election.

The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.

The committee also said it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32bn to increase allowances for corps members to N125,000 each when engaged for election duties.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Along, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to ensure it receives the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, also pledged legislative support, warning INEC to be careful about promises it might be unable to keep.

He recalled that during the 2023 general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.

“iREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.

The N873.78bn proposed by INEC for next year’s general election is a significant increase from the N313.4bn released to the Commission by the Federal Government for the conduct of the 2023 general election.