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PANDEF Vows To Resist Water Resources Bill
An official of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ken Robinson, has vowed that the people of the Niger Delta would resist any attempt to pass the Water Resources Bill, which is being reintroduced to the National Assembly.
Speaking on Arise Television in an interview on the Reintroduced Water Resources Bill, Robinson said the passage of the bill would be for the betterment of a section of the country through the Federal Government to the detriment of other parts of the country, particularly the Niger Delta region.
He said, “We cannot have the Water Resources Bill under any disguise”.
He argued that considering that laws were being misguided and abused, the passage of the bill was a direct call to anarchy.
He faulted the composition of the directors of the new NNPC Ltd, saying it showed marginalisation of the people of the Niger Delta.
He queried the appointment of no fewer than seven people from a section of the country, saying it breaches the principle of equity, fairness and justice.
The PANDEF spokesman said the Water Resources Bill was another form of RUGA which should not be allowed to stand as current developments in the country suggest a grand desire to take over arable land and water resources of some parts of the country by the Federal Government, adding that if the bill was allowed to make its way to passage, whatever the consequences would be should be received in good faith by the Federal Government.
Arguing on the claim that the bill is in conformity with global best practices, Robinson said it was important for the government to introduce best practices in the country by ensuring inclusiveness in governance, ensuring the protection of lives and property, despite religious differences and geographical location, and directing attention to the principle of justice and fairness.
On his part, former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, argued that there was nothing to fear about the Water Resources Bill as it was a good idea and an economic programme geared towards harnessing the resources of water across the country.
Enang’s position, which was basically on the side of the government, stated that the water that flows into the Niger Delta area has its tributaries in the River Niger and Chad, adding that the content of the Water Resources Bill was a standard practice globally and that Nigerians have a lot to benefit from it.
He juxtaposed the River Basin Authorities established in 1976, nearly five decades ago to the reintroduced Water Resources Bill.
He said the passage of the bill would boost animal husbandry and support crop production.
The law establishing the River Basin Development Authorities mandated 11 agencies to develop water resources to boost agricultural productions, especially irrigable crops.
The Water Resources Bill was first introduced in the National Assembly in the 7th and 8th Assembly, and was outrightly rejected as a result of public outcry.
It was reintroduced on June 29, 2022, with same controversy and rejection trailing its reintroduction.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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