News
Dekor Lauds Wike On Proactive Measures To Check Illegal Bunkerers
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for steps being taken to tackle the activities of operators of illegal crude oil refineries popularly called ‘Kpo-fire’ by declaring those behind the unwholesome business wanted, and personally visiting identified sites in Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas of the state.
‘Kpo-fire’ business is a local oil refining process of heating crude oil in fabricated oven to extract petroleum products while the residues are released into the environment, not minding the implication on the ecosystem and the health of the citizenry.
Dekor, who is the member representing Khana/Gokana in the House of Representatives, made the commendation while addressing a cross section of Rivers youths in Abuja.
He said the proactive steps taken by Wike to declare those behind the illegal business of ‘Kpo-fire’ wanted, apprehending many others and his visit to some sites would drastically reduce the menace of soot in the state.
“You all know that the state has been battling the challenge of soot worsened by the illegal business of refining petroleum products, popularly called ‘Kpo-fire’.
“You are also aware of the agony, pains and sicknesses associated with the environmental hazard, which has regularly contaminated the air in our dear state with devastating health implications.
“But thank God for the swift intervention of the governor and the successes recorded so far.
“You will recall, the governor had in his New Year broadcast, promised to tackle head-on illegal crude oil refining activities in the state for the collective health and survival of Rivers people.
“It is in view of this, that I want to thank the governor for his prompt action taken towards addressing this ugly trend,” he said.
Dekor called on all community leaders to join the state governor in the struggle to bring an end to illegal crude oil refining activities in their localities to stop the menace of soot in Rivers State by reporting those behind the illegal business to the law enforcement agencies.
The lawmaker also appealed to his constituents not to indulge in illegal crude oil refining activities, warning that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of the law.
He said the noticeable blanket of soot in the skies across the state, in our homes and on clothes was largely due to the upsurge in illegal bunkering business in the Niger Delta of which Rivers State appears to be one of the epicentres.
Dekor said: “Even when you walk on bare foot in your home, the sole of your feet turns black, wash your clothes and hang same outside, they are stained with black particles, you wipe your face with white handkerchief and it turns black, so, we are inhaling this dangerous black particles daily, which is very dangerous to our health”.
He also frowned at the seeming reluctance of the Federal Government and the relevant agencies to do something to mitigate the menace of soot in the state, and urged them to wake up to their responsibility to protect the lives of the people and those living in the region and the environment.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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