Niger Delta

Diri Disagrees With NOSDRA On Nembe Spill Investigation

Published

4 years ago

December 22, 2021

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed dissatisfaction with comments credited to the Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Idris Musa, on the legality of the state’s technical committee on the recent oil spill in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
The NOSDRA DG was reportedly quoted to have said that the committee was illegal and also prevented the media from being part of the Joint Investigation Visit to the spillage site.
Diri spoke on Monday, during a courtesy visit of the Minister of State for Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, to Government House, Yenagoa.
The Tide gathered that the minister was in the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the blowout that occurred at OML 29 Wellhead platform operated by Aiteo Exploration and Production Company Limited in Nembe.
The Tide further learnt the leak lasted for about 38 days before it was eventually stopped on December 8.
The state governor, who described NOSDRA’s action as unacceptable, said his decision to set up the technical committee on the spill was influenced by the country’s constitution and the laws of Bayelsa State.
He said he owed the people of Nembe the responsibility of protecting every victim affected by the spill and would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice and full compensation for the people.
While calling on the JIV team set up by NOSDRA to be transparent and free from any form of compromise, Senator Diri said it was unethical for Aiteo to provide logistics for the JIV.
“Honourable Minister, I was not happy with the report I got from my team, particularly comments allegedly made by the DG of NOSDRA. I’m an elected governor of Bayelsa State and the number one thing about me is the wellbeing of the people, the environment and property of my state.
“I was told that the DG allegedly made comments that the committee I set up and inaugurated was an illegal committee. Also, he reportedly said that the media cannot be part of the JIV.
“Those were the reports I received from my team. I’m happy that you have cleared the issues about the media and they would be part of it.
“Like I said earlier, states and the federal government are supposed to work hand in gloves. I have the powers vested by the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Bayelsa State to set up the committee within the confines of Bayelsa State and on anything that is injurious to the people of the state.
“With the way it is going, I’m not happy with the report I’m getting from my committee. Aiteo could not have been the one to provide the logistics for the JIV. And the DG of NOSDRA should be the number one person to protect the state, its team and the environment”, he said.
The governor however thanked the minister for coming to have a firsthand knowledge of the plight of the Nembe people and Bayelsa State in general.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, said her visit was to assess the damage caused by the spill and to ensure speedy remediation.
Mrs. Ikeazor, who was accompanied by the NOSDRA DG, however said it was proper for the media to be part of the JIV and that journalists would not be prevented from visiting the site.
The minister further stated that from reports made available to her, 16,800 barrels of oil had been recovered from the polluted water.
She thanked the people of Nembe Local Government Area for their peaceful disposition during and after the spill.
She also commended the state government for the exemplary leadership demonstrated to manage the situation.

By: AriweraIbibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

China Alerts Rivers, A’Ibom, Abia Govs To Economic Triangle

Published

2 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has alerted the Governor of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Abia states to what he calls an emerging ‘Economic Triangle’ within their states.

Mr China, a real estate success strategist who has won numerous local and international awards, has thus drawn the attention of the governors of the concerned states to the emerging development and has urged them to intentionally accelerate the emergence of the economic triangle.

Speaking to newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital at the conclusion of his business trip to the state, Mr China, who is the managing director of the Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, said the envisaged economic corridor would compete favourably with the Lagos economic hub or even better.

He said: “Talking about ‘Economic Triangle’, the only place that can wrest economic power from Lagos is Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Rivers states axis or corridor. This corridor contains more than Lagos has, if they can be interconnected with smooth roads, ports, and if their blue potentials are unlocked. They will not only wrest power from Lagos but would be more lucrative.”

The investor who is behind the emerging Alesa Highlands Green Smart City in Eleme, near Port Harcourt, said the new ‘Economic Triangle’ has a bigger potential due to massive land assets with the corridor plus blue economy and the existing hydrocarbon industry.

Explaining, Mayor of Housing said Aba (Abia State) provides the biggest fabrication capacity in West Africa to supply goods to the Gulf of Guinea; Port Harcourt provides access to the Gulf of Guinea for off-taking Aba products, and the Uyo provides deep sea port at Ibaka and international airport facilities as well as forest reserves for massive agro-economy.

He said with sea ports in Rivers State and deep seaport in Akwa Ibom, and international airports in Rivers and Akwa Ibom, Aba can focus on adequate power supply and fabrication boom to supply a new booming market around the economic triangle.

By doing this, he said, jobs would spill out in huge quantities and more manufacturers would be drawn from all over Africa to boost the fast coming African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He said Nigeria would thus have two major trade nodes in West Africa; Lagos and the PH/UYO/Aba triangle.

He said goods going to or coming from Chad, Niger, and the rest of Central Africa can head to the Lagos ports or to the Ibaka/PH ports zone in the new economic triangle.

He said with power supply made stable, good roads, excellent security system, and ease of doing business enthroned in the zone, the South-South and South East would become the biggest economic nerve in the near future.

Mayor of Housing called on governors of the three states to be intentional about the new corridor, put away political differences (if any), and create this corridor by agreeing on projects each state would execute with a short period of time so the states would be linked by good roads, communication, security, trade laws, concessions to investors, etc.

He remarked that northerners were already heading to the Onne Port in Rivers State to export goods, saying creating a commission to oversee the development of the ‘Economic Triangle’ would fast-track its emergence.

He observed that people of the three states are peaceful and usually preoccupied with zeal for economic prosperity, saying that if they are linked to such huge opportunities staring at them in the emerging economic triangle, they would totally shun violence and focus on prosperity.

Mr China insisted that the emerging economic triangle would form a big node not only into the Gulf of Guinea economic zone but into Africa because AfCFTA is about production, certification, market availability, and easy transport nodes by sea and air. He said the new economic triangle boasts of all the factors.

“They can only realise this by working together, through collaboration. One state cannot do it but a triangle of the three will create it through seamless interconnection, ports, industrial park, etc. The people will be the richest and internally generated revenue (IGR) will be the biggest in the country,” he said.

Niger Delta

Bayelsa’s Aircraft Makes Inaugural Flight…As Lawmakers, Oil Minister, NDDC’S MD Hail Diri

Published

6 days ago

November 27, 2025

The Tide

Newly acquired ATR-72/600 aircraft by the Bayelsa State Governor on Tuesday November 26, 2025 made its inaugural flight from Abuja, the nation’s capital to the State’s Airport, Amassoma, Yenagoa.

The Tide learnt that the governor Douye Diri’s led administration has acquired two aircrafts.

The aeroplane which took off from the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30hrs with about 50 passengers and crew on board.

Governor Douye Diri, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others were onboard the inaugural flight of the plane which touched down at the Bayelsa airport at 10:40hrs amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd.

The Tide further reports that the aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport.

The visibly elated State governor, Diri described the celebration as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfilment of its promise to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air.

He restated that the inauguration of the aircraft was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for every Bayelsan as it marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and expanding its economic horizons.

“Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing: Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services.

“On behalf of your Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am delighted to commission the first of two ATR?72/600 aircraft, each configured to carry 72 passengers and crew.

“This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa, bringing regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive”, he said.

He explained that he has directed that the aircraft registered under the name Pioneer Airline be immediately changed to Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing commercial operations as it is state-owned and not a private concern.

The State’s helmsman added that the story of the aviation sector in the state would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location, and the immediate past Governor Seriake Dickson, who actualised the airport project.

He also expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the State House of Assembly for their support.

In his welcome remarks, Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice?Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline will not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states.

Also, Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company will embody the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state and Niger Delta in its operations.

He thanked Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting it with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that they will not let Bayelsa down.

Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement that speaks to vision and strategic partnership between the government and the bank, expressing his joy that the bank played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.

Similarly, Senator Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged their support for the developmental efforts of the state government.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, equally lauded Governor Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.

The NDDC MD, Ogbuku, in his remarks, described the acquisition of an aircraft by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it will connect the people of the state to other parts of the country, and pledged the willingness of the commission to partner the airline to contribute to its success.

The PANDEF National, Igali, said people of the region were proud of Diri’s achievements and pledged the continuous support of the forum to enable the government attain new heights.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Traditional Ruler Seeks End To Benin Artifacts Unauthorized Promotion

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

A member of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Chief Osaro Idah (the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom), has urged the Federal High Court to restrain the Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) from dealing with Benin artifacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

Idah prayed the court in a suit seeking five reliefs.

According to a notice issued by the court, hearing in the suit has been fixed for November 27 during which the court is expected to hear the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the claimant.

The suit, marked: FHC/B/CS/107/2025, was filed before the Benin Division of the Federal High Court by Chief Idah, through his lawyer, Kelvin Mejuku of the firm of Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) & Partners.

According to court documents, the claimant is contending, among others, that the Oba of Benin, being the sole custodian of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom, is the only rightful person to determine where the returned looted artifacts and other items of Benin heritage should be kept.

Listed as defendants in the suit are Museum of West African Arts LTD/GTD and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

The claimant wants the court to declare that by virtue of the Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023 titled: “Notice of Presidential Declaration on the Recognition of Ownership, and an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artifacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom”, dated March 23, 2023, the Oba of Benin is the custodian, of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people.

He equally wants a declaration that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No.1 of 2023, the operators of the Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts, located in Benin City require the consent of the Oba of Benin, the sole custodian of Benin culture and arts, to hold Benin artifacts amongst other collections in the museum.

Chief Idah is also urging the court to declare that the defendants cannot surreptitiously identify with and or deploy or use the name, title and or the throne of the Oba of Benin, without the consent of the Oba, to solicit for endorsements, funds and or support within and outside Nigeria for prosecution of their purported interests in Benin artifacts and objects for the purposes of establishing or maintaining a museum in Benin City.

The claimant equally wants the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, privies or agents, from establishing, opening and operating any museum in Benin City, Edo, dealing with Benin artefacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

Idah stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the Benin artifacts are the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom created by its ancestors and forefathers within the traditional norms and rites of the kingdom.

“They are not property of any private corporate entity that is not a creation of the Benin Kingdom.

“The people of Benin kingdom and other stakeholders, especially Benin Dialogue Group, had at different meetings endorsed the Benin Royal Museum to be built within the palace, as well as endorsing the Oba Ewuare II Foundation for fund raising and other requisite administration processes.

“It was based on the above that the Oba of Benin prevailed on the Federal Government to take custody of these artifacts on behalf of the palace until the Benin Royal Museum was ready for their collection”, he said.

He further stated that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023, the Oba of Benin became recognised as the sole owner, with the sole responsibility to have the custody and management of Benin artifacts.

He added that the gazette issued by the Federal Government pursuant to the 2023 order did not contemplate a situation in which any of the repatriated Benin artifacts will be diverted or hijacked from the custody of the Oba of Benin and be kept in the custody of a privately operated museum or as part of the collection of any private organisation, museum like the MOWAA and NGO-operated museum.

The claimant states that the government of Edo State in 2024 restored the full statutory right of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people and his ownership and title of the stolen/looted artefacts and other art works.

“Regrettably, some of the artifacts have now found their way in a private museum named Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) located in Benin City, operated by the first defendant, without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

“This action of the first defendant is very provocative, confrontational and calculated to undermine the lawful authority of our monarch.

“The exclusive authority and right of the Oba has been confirmed by a legal instrument known as Notice of Presidential Declaration which is an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom.

“The establishment in Benin City of a private or public private museum, the so called Museum of West African Culture and Arts (MOWAA) by the defendant in collaboration with the second defendant without reference to the sovereign authority of our Oba over Benin culture and arts is not only a violation of the customary law of Benin Kingdom, but spiteful of the authority of the revered palace.

“The maverick move by the first defendant in promoting the MOWAA to operate in Benin City under the nose of the Oba, but without the consent of the palace is causing serious unease, public unrest and provocation threatening the peace of the Benin Kingdom.

“This development is in conflict with the pronouncement of the Government of Edo State restoring full statutory rights to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, over the Artefacts of the Benin Kingdom”, he said.