News

SPDC Denies Oil Production In Ogoni

Published

8 years ago

November 3, 2017

The leading oil and gas company in Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has dismissed claims by some groups in Ogoni that it has begun concerted efforts to resume oil production, more than 24 years after it stopped crude oil production activities in Ogoniland.
The multinational oil and gas company also said it was not aware of any shooting incident involving government security personnel attached to the pipeline repair team in the area, and was not in a position to speak for the Nigerian military.
Reacting to a statement credited to Ogoni Youth Forum, claiming that soldiers attached to SPDC personnel, allegedly opened fire on some youth who were on a peaceful protest, at Nonwa, Tai, against the alleged forceful commencement of laying of pipelines in Ogoniland without the consent of the people or the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the company’s spokesman, Joseph Obari said: “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) is carrying out repair work on the 24” Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) which passes through parts of Ogoni land and beyond.
“The scope of work involves replacement of sections of the existing pipeline. No new pipelines are being laid”.
Obari confirmed that “The 24” TNP has been shut in since 2013 awaiting this maintenance. SPDC has no plans to resume oil production in Ogoni land which was stopped in 1993.”
He explained that “The maintenance work involves repairs on the 24” TNP both in the Ogoni axis and beyond.”
The Shell spokesman also emphasised that “The affected communities have been adequately engaged and their support secured prior to mobilisation of the repair crew,” stressing that, “The repair work is providing employment and other benefits for the host communities.
“The works are restricted and contained within SPDC’s right of way, and so far, no third party land has been impacted”, Obari added.
It would be recalled that the Ogoni Youth Forum (OYF) had, last Friday, condemned the careless shooting of Ogoni youth by a detachment of men of the Nigerian Army.
The OYF had alleged that the Army personnel, attached to officials of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), last Thursday opened fire on some youth from Ogoni and injured many.
A statement by the National Coordinator of OYF, Yamaabana Legborsi in Port Harcourt, had regretted that in spite of years of agitations against environmental degradation and abuse, Ogoni communities were still battling with the hazards and past ill-activities of SPDC.
They alleged that the inability of the Federal Government to remediate the already over-polluted Ogoni environment without any severe sanctions had emboldened Shell to increase its unmitigated actions against the precious Ogoni environment.
When contacted on phone for comments, a spokesperson for the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Eligible Lazarus could not be reached, as his mobile line was switched off.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers, Mene Suanu Baridam, confirmed that some Ogoni youth actually protested against the ongoing laying of pipes in Ogoni by Shell, describing the action as provocative.
The traditional ruler described the traditional tendency of Shell to sow seeds of discord in Ogoni as a threat to the peace in the area, insisting that Shell was putting the cart before the horse.
Baridam, therefore, pleaded with the Federal Government to call Shell to order in order not to instigate another round of crisis in Ogoniland.
MOSOP, in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that the youth carried out a peaceful demonstration on October 26, 2017 against Shell over her resumed laying of pipelines in Ogoni suspended in August this year following protests led by MOSOP.
Signed by the Media and Public Affairs Advisor, Bari-ara Kpalap, MOSOP said, “The demonstration was necessitated by the reason that rather than respond to the demands of the people, Shell under the shield of sophisticatedly armed military and para-military operatives resumed the vexacious laying of oil pipelines in the region without carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as provided by law, to enable the people know the implications of the project.
“They also violated the right of the people to free, prior and informed consent protected under international law through refusal to hold broad-based discussion and obtain the agreement of the people.
“As early as 7am, the demonstrators had gathered at the popular Nonwa junction on the East-West Road running through the area, singing and dancing. Suddenly, heavily armed soldiers and police officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) led by the JTF commander in the area arrived in many military trucks and unleashed mayhem on the unarmed Ogoni demonstrators in an attempt to frustrate the protest.
“They shot sporadically and many of the demonstrators who were unlucky were savagely brutalised and inflicted with varying degrees of injuries.
“Those injured and are hospitalised include Messrs Lenaata Biraalo, Dumka Kpee Paago, Paul Barivule, Eedee Bedi, Keanyie Barikuula, Lekpea Barialo, Sunday Lekie. John Dumadi, Saturday Lodee, Popnwin Dibia and Barididum Kpoobe.
“The others Mrs. Basile Baridon, Nwinee Akoba, Biale Peter, Mary Nwidum, Lesira Paul and Justina Bekee. In fact, Samson Akpotor was so lucky as life bullets missed his head narrowly and shattered the window of a nearby building.”
However, the protesters regrouped, defied the violent security approach and carried on. Addressing the crowd, Bari-ara Kpalap warned that brutality was not going to sway the resolve of the people, emphasising that those that refuse peaceful advocacy to succeed certainly call for violent response but Ogoni won’t be swayed from its avowed non-violent and peaceful methodology.
He called on the people to use all peaceful and civilised means in resisting the attempt to deny Ogonis their rights, adding “that laying of pipelines in Ogoni falls within the context of oil production.”
He warned that Ogoni cannot accept that such capital project be executed in the area without EIA, discussion and agreement with the people, adding that Shell remains persona non-grata in Ogoni and must steer clear of the region.
Meanwhile, MOSOP, yesterday, slammed statements ascribed to the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Mr. Silver Ngba as not only disgraceful but also provocative and a huge betrayal of the Ogoni people.
It regretted that Ngba had earlier confessed to journalists on how he connived with Shell, using soldiers and the police to chase away Ogoni demonstrators protesting against the controversial laying of pipelines in the area without the free, prior and informed consent and agreement with the Ogoni people as well as carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before embarking on the project. He as well lamented that the oil mogul has refused to pay him as agreed after accomplishing his part of the deal.
MOSOP said in a statement yesterday that if the Tai LGA chairman could publicly tell the world how he took part in actions that violated the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people, including inflicting bodily injuries on innocent, harmless and peaceful Ogoni demonstrators and gave pecuniary reason for his involvement, it was enough for the Rivers State Government to remove him from office.
MOSOP, thus warned all Ogonis to desist from working against the collective interest of the people as this will not be tolerated.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor