Rivers

Monarch Alerts On Dumping Of Toxic Wastes On Property

Published

3 years ago

May 21, 2021

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

Rivers

IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

Rivers

Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor