Niger Delta

Cluster Communities Eulogise Deputy Gov As SPDC Succumbs To Pressure

Published

4 years ago

March 16, 2022

The Chairman, Communitiy Development Committee (CDC) of Otuasega Community, Ogbia council area of Bayelsa state, Mr Nadarikpa Raniyar Marcus, has commended the State Deputy Governor,Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for his timely intervention in resolving feuds between the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and communities of the cluster.
Marcus who also doubles as Chairman of the Action Committee on provision of grid by the SPDC for the cluster communities while speaking with The Tide said upon the Deputy Governor’s regular meetings with the host communities and the oil company in resolving misunderstandings regarding total power blackout, the firm he said was now working more assiduously to complete the electrification works as well as provide power within the timelines of their recent agreement with the government and in line with the ultimatum given it by the communities.
The four SPDC host Communities of Otuasega, Imiringi, Elebele and Yiba-Ama(Oruma) in the Kolo creek cluster operational area of the SPDC,Ogbia council area of Bayelsa State had in the wake of Shell’s failure to supply them with power handed down a 14-day ultimatum to the oil firm to provide electricity for them or risk total shut down of all its oil installations in the cluster area.
The Otuasega CDC helmsman hinted that the state Deputy Governor was instrumental to the earlier planned linking of the community to the national grid after the SPDC failed to restore power to the hostcommunities,upon the expiration of the last date the firm gave them.
”Infact, the state Deputy Governor was Godsent to Otuasega Community.He single handedly provided funds for us to fix some of the damaged electrical installations of our electrical lines,and even directed the Manger of the state-owned electricity company, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo to link us to the national grid after the SPDC failed to connect communities of the cluster to its grid which as we speak is still under installation by Morpol Engineering Company at the Imiringi flow station”
“But for the alleged vandalism of some of the equipment of the national grid somewhere as we heard, Otuasega and other communities of the cluster would have been enjoying electricity”, he said.
“SPDC have been operating in this area for more than 50 years,and they have not given us electricity any day. Everything we’ve had from this firm was through pressure.
“Last year, due to this their worrisome attitude towards the cluster communities, we staged a protest at their manifold,located along the Etegwe-Otuasega Road and stopped them from working, and demanded that the Etegwe-Otuasega Road which leads to other parts of Ogbia, Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas be rehabilitated.
“Today,by God’s grace, though the road is still under reconstruction,it’s now motorable. We thank the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State for being a good mediator”, the CDC chairman said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.