Rivers
Monarch Alerts On Dumping Of Toxic Wastes On Property
A Traditional Ruler and renowned entrepreneur in Rivers State, Mene Michael Tekuru Porobunu, has raised alarm over the dumping of evacuated toxic wastes on his land in course of the on going Bodo creeks clean up in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, handled by Shell.
The Chairman, Gokana Council of Traditional Rulers, Mene Michael Tekuru Porobunu, who spoke with news men during a visit to the affected site at Sugi Community, Patrict water side’ in Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, alerted that the handlers of the clean up exercise took advantage of his property as a dump site for the generated wastes from the clean up without any due consultation with him.
The Monarch, who is also the head of Gberezorkpa Dynasty in Bodo City, described the actions of the handlers of the clean up project as ‘gross insensitivity and apparent disregard’ for him as the owner of the property.
He explained that the wastes did not only constitute serious health hazards to his family and the entire Sugi community, but has also amounted to economic sabotage as it is now totally impossible for him to cultivate the affected land because of the toxic contamination of the soil.
He expressed a deep sense of disappointment over the abuse of his landed property and noted that, “the action has worsened the ecological devastation and contamination of the affected land and destruction of the natural water bodies.”
The Royal Father pointed out that the destructions in the area were as a result of equipment failure and pipeline explosion from Shell facilities in 2008 and 2009, which necessitated the Bodo creeks clean up by Shell.
“I want to draw the attention of Shell to the contamination of my land through the dumping of toxic waste materials on it. It’s unfortunate that despite the damage already caused on my property and the entire Sugi community as a result of equipment failure and pipeline explosion, there is still a calculated attempt to further devastate the land through the dumping of toxic waste materials on it. I want to call on whoever that is responsible for the dumping of the toxic materials to stop forth with their illicit actions, while the waste should be removed.
It’s wrong and totally unacceptable that all the toxic wastes from the clean up processes by Shell are dumped on my property, and this is depriving me of the rights to cultivate the land, causing me enormous economic losses, I want shell or who ever is involved to initiate the process of cleaning up the toxic waste materials and the contamination that has occurred in the ground”, he said.
The Monarch, who disclosed that he has informed the Police and other relevant authorities to commence investigations on the matter, said he would be left with no option than to seek legal redress over the damage done to his property, if the wastes are not removed and the land cleaned by who ever may be responsible for the dumping.
He cautioned against indiscriminate activities on the part of companies involved in the Bodo creeks clean up project , stating that standards should be adhered to in the remediation of impacted areas.
It would be recalled that Sugi community along other property, owned by Mene Michael Tekuru Porobunu, known as ‘Patrick water sides’, were among the areas affected by the blight of oil pollution as a result of pipeline explosion, equipment failure and oil spill from shell facilities along the Bodo water ways.
A visit to the area revealed the depth of damage and diminishing beauty of the once sprawling island and scenic attraction that served the craving of fun seekers and adventurers as well as providing economic benefits for the owner.
By: Taneh Beemene
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Rivers
FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases
-
Sports2 days ago
‘Ofili Still Representing Nigeria’
-
News2 days ago
Court Arraigns Rivers Traditional Ruler Over Impersonation, Other Charges
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
NDLEA Apprehends 312 Suspects … Seizes 803.672 kg Of Drugs In A’Ibom
-
Politics2 days ago
Church Bans Political Speeches On Pulpits
-
Business2 days ago
Coy Expands Pipeline Network In Rivers
-
Sports2 days ago
NBBF Releases D’Tigress Provisional Roster
-
Business2 days ago
FG Commits To Port Automation
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Monarch Hails Diri’s Developmental Strides … Alleges Neglect By Oil Firm