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17 Oil Wells: Ariolu, MOSIEND Hail Wike Over S’Court Victory
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has lauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria, for delivering a firm judgement on the disputed 17 oil wells involving Rivers and Imo states.
Ariolu, while addressing newsmen, yesterday, also hailed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his bold and courageous approach towards recovering the state’s assets.
He described the verdict of the apex court as victory for the rule of law, democracy and the people of Rivers State.
Following the verdict by the apex court, he expressed optimism and confidence that Wike would continue to fight and win more battles in the interest of Rivers people.
Speaking further, he said the ultimate victory was another validation of Wike’s popularity among Rivers people, especially on his programmes, which have continued to impact positively on the people.
Describing Wike as an architect who has erected political structure for good governance, Ariolu urged Nigerians to support him, stressing that they should give the governor fresh mandate in 2023.
He, however, maintained that the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court have restored and re-affirmed the hope of the common man in the nation’s judicial sector.
Ariolu noted that the lawyers and judges who delivered the landmark ruling have written their names in gold, adding that they would be remembered as revered legal practitioners.
He said, “It is now glaring that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“We are very happy with the judgement given by the Supreme Court and that is why we are affirming our loyalty and commitment to the governor of the Rivers State.
“I think we are now having a Judiciary we are supposed to have.
“The Supreme Court has done the right thing by affirming that the 17 oil wells in dispute belonged to Rivers State,” he continued.
The council boss, who described the ruling as good development for the sustainability of the country’s democratic experiment, pointed out that the landmark judgement has relieved the state of oppression, pervasion of justice, disunity and disharmony.
Similarly, a frontline socio-cultural organisation in Niger Delta region, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended Governor Nyesom Wike, over the Supreme Court judgement on 17 oil wells ruled in favour of the state.
The oil wells, the group said, were located in Ndoni and Egbema communities in Rivers State, respectively.
The group, in a statement by its Zonal Secretary, Godwin Opiuyo, commended the Judiciary for living up to its responsibility for fair judgement.
MOSIEND said the judgement brings to an end the lingering and prolonged boundary dispute between Rivers and Imo states.
The statement described Wike, a Presidential aspirant hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as not somebody you can intimidate, adding that Rivers properties remains safe under his care.
The group said they were pleased with the ceding of the 17 oil wells to Rivers State by the court judgement.
The statement commended Wike for resisting the forces of evil against the financial prosperity of Rivers State.
“We commend the Wike for his resolute in recovering the communities and the 17 oil wells for Rivers State”.
Opiuyo further appealed to the governor to make massive investment in human capital development across the 23 local governments of the state to reduce poverty.
MOSIEND said the proposed Wike decision to embark on stomach infrastructure is strategic and aimed alleviating poverty and improved lives amongst youths.
Recall that in 2019 there was a disputed 17 oil wells in Akri and some other communities when a presidential directive conjured a certain boundary adjustment arrangement that transfers all revenues accrued within those locations to our neighbouring Imo State.
By: Chinedu Wosu
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.