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Clean-Up: Ogoni Youths Differ Over FG, HYPREP’s Actions …Issue Seven Days Ultimatum
Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has called on all sons and daughters of the communities to rally support for the Minister of Environment, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed, and the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, to deliver the Ogoni clean-up project in record time.
This is even as another set of youths of Ogoni have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi for his role in the alleged delay in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), report on oil impacted sites in Ogoniland.
The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) is an umbrella body of all Ogoni youths and organisations operating in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
A statement signed by the President-General, Ogoni Youth Federation, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, commended the duo for their outstanding performance recorded so far in the project.
Yamaabana pointed out that the decision to applaud the duo was due to the ongoing linking of Ogoniland to the national grid, and building of a specialist hospital.
He further explained that, other areas of commendation include unparalleled commitment and resolve to the success of the Ogoni clean-up project and overhaul of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to meet timelines set for delivery of the project.
OYF leader called on the general public to discountenance insinuations from rumour mongers and jobbers, who are hell-bent of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the minister of environment by accusing him of contract hijack, among other things, and claiming that Ogoni youths are planning to carry out a protest at HYPREP office and other strategic locations in Ogoniland.
“This is a pathological lie that should be jettisoned in its entirety and let it be known that as at today, Ogoni Youths are happy with the way, manner and direction in which the minister of environment and the project coordinator of HYPREP are steering the ship of the clean-up project.
“Whilst we are not holding brief for HYPREP or Ministry of Environment, for the records we wish to state that credible information available to us reveals that certain individuals, disparaging the Minister of State for Environment and disgusting as though they are fighting for the interest of Ogoni, are not fighting the Ogoni cause but are those who collected money from unsuspecting firms, and promised to use the name of Ogoni to secure them HYPREP contracts in return.
The president general also warned rumour mongers, blackmailers and jobbers to desist from any form of unholy act or risk their names being mentioned to the general public.
“However, when the firms they took money from started requesting for refund, and when the perpetrators noticed that the minister for environment is a man of due process who cannot be bullied and who is not ready to cut corners nor award contracts to portfolio carrying firms, they became rattled and purportedly passed a vote of no confidence on him as a strategy to blackmail the minister and get what they want.
“This is laughable and Ogoni youths are forced to question the nativity of these individuals, because this is not the attitude of the Ogonis.
“We advice these characters to go and refund monies collected from films, apologise to the minister of environment and desist from negative acts that tends to portray Ogonination in bad light.
“May we also use this medium to warn them to desist from this unholy act or risk their names being mentioned.
“We call on all sons and daughters of Ogoni to rally round and support the Ministry of Environment and HYPREP to deliver the Ogoni clean-up project in record time,”Yamaabana stated.
However, rising from a press conference in Port Harcourt, youths of Ogoni in Rivers State have asked President MuhammaduBuhari to immediately sack the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi for his role in the alleged delay in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on oil impacted sites in Ogoniland.
The youths and stakeholders also demanded the full implementation of the Local Content Act in the award of contracts in HYPREP, and livelihood programmes for people of the area.
Failure to do so within seven days, the youths said, would attract a mass protest at the Federal Ministry of Environment and shutdown of HYPREP activities.
Briefing newsmen after a meeting of Ogoni youth leaders and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, President of South-South Youth Initiative, Comrade Saviour Oscar Imeabe, said the mismanagement of the HYPREP clean-up programme, which was supposed to remediate the Ogoni environment and create succour to the people, and the fact that the project has completely derailed from its motives, has left them with no option than to inform the world about their disappointment and next line of action in a bid to return the project back on track.
He recalled that in 2017 when the clean-up programme took off, Ogonis were very upbeat about their expectations but, “sadly, five years after, two project coordinators have come and gone, and now, we are operating with the third and the story is the same or even worse”.
He lamented that, “today, all the contracts in HYPREP are being awarded to faceless contractors without recourse to the established Local Content Act which guarantees the local contractors a fair share of the allocation in the contract spread. Five years down the line, not even a single aspect of the project has been conclusively done, yet, millions of dollars and billions of naira have been frittered away.
“The livelihood programme, which was also a key aspect of this project that was supposed to give a sense of belonging to the youths of the land, has been so politicised and whittledown to a level that has turned Ogoni youths to beggars on a project they should claim ownership of.
“This and many other ills in HYPREP, today, have made a mess and mockery of the good intentions of the President MuhammaduBuhari who came through as a white knight to the Ogoni people when we needed him most. The project, which was supposed to be a field project, has been converted to a paper work which exists only in Abuja while the degraded environment which was supposed to be remediated is left in further degradation.
“The current project coordinator literally lives in Abuja and wakes up daily to the whims of the minister who has demonstrated complete lack of commitment to the project. Contractors who have no business in environmental works are those holding sway in HYPREP today as long as they have Abuja connection.”
The youths further demanded the full implementation of Local Content Act in the award of contracts in HYPREP based of 60/40percent ratio in favour of the Ogoni people, immediate suspension of every attempt to withdraw $300,000,000, from the Ogoni Trust Fund by the HYPREP management as alleged and the removal of the minister of environment who ‘has become a clog in the wheel ofprogress to the implementation of the project, due to his constant bureaucratic bottlenecks that has delayed the project beyond expectations, amongst others.
They warned that, ‘failure to show commitment and accede to our requests in seven days after the receipts of our complaints, we shall have no other choice than to shut down completely the activities of HYPREP’.
Also speaking, President, National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Comrade Kingsley Menele, said the body has no confidence in any leadership of HYPREP as they have failed in the implementation of the UNEP report.
He called on the Federal Government to quickly intervene, and call them to order or the youths shall protest at the expiration of the ultimatum.
On his part, Rivers State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade NwisabariBani, said they were in solidarity with Ogoni youths in calling for the implementation of livelihoods programmes for them.
A member of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa family, Mr YiraWiwa, who also spoke at the briefing, said they have led several delegations to HYPREP but all their demands have never been adhered to.
“We have led several delegations to meet the management of HYPREP but our demands have fallen on deaf ears. The area is still very much polluted, there is no clean-up going on anywhere.
“Since the present PC came on board in March, nothing has happened there except meetings upon meetings without any effect. The water project which has been bided for and people expecting it to happen is stagnant including the livelihoods programmes,” he said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The State House management yesterday disclosed that its overhead expenditure amounted to N22.62billion, spread across seven cost centres.
These include the State House Headquarters, State House Operations (President), State House Operations (Vice President), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President, State House Medical Centre, and Lagos Liaison Office.
The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, revealed this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the data centre located in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, announced this in a statement issued yesterday titled ‘State House to Achieve Full Digitisation by November 2024, Says Permanent Secretary, as Reps Tour Data Centre.’
During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 per cent implementation of capital projects for 2024 and an impressive 99 per cent implementation in overhead expenditure.
“Out of this appropriated amount, so far, as of 31 August 2024, a total sum of N15.08bn has been released to us; and of the said released amount, a total of N14.9bn has so far been expended during the fiscal year, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5bn. This represents an encouraging performance of 99 per cent,” he said.
On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3bn was appropriated for 2024, with N22bn spent, leaving a balance of N29.3bn, representing 43 per cent implementation.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centres during the challenging fiscal year.
“This has gone a long way in enhancing our performance as an important arm of government, especially with regards to the welfare of staff and various capital projects, such as the renovation of the residential quarters of the President, Aguda House, computerisation and digitalisation of the State House, construction of an office complex, replacement of operational vehicles, and others,” he said.
The chief accounting officer further presented the 2023 budget and supplementary budget performances.
He disclosed that N1.65bn was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which N1.65bn was spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66.
For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29bn was appropriated, and N8.27bn was expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5m, marking a 99.82 per cent budget implementation.
Regarding total capital expenditure for 2023, the Permanent Secretary said N11.2bn was approved, with N10.9bn spent, representing an overall performance of 98 per cent.
Adebiyi also mentioned that the State House is set to achieve full digitisation of its operations by November 2024.
According to him, the completion of the computerisation and digitisation process would enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions at the State House.
The visit, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets of the State House.
Adebiyi also briefed the lawmakers on the ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government.
He noted that the renovations are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Adebiyi invited the legislators for an on-the-spot assessment of the barracks, with funds for the project and others at the Lagos Liaison Office sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget respectively.
In his remarks, Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and commended the State House for its commitment to budgetary discipline and modernising government services.
“The 2024 budget is still ongoing, and I would say, so far, so good. The releases have been made and utilised by almost 98 per cent, and that is quite commendable.
“There are no gaps. The 2023 budget has been completed. Members have asked questions, and we have heard the responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are convinced they are doing well,” he said.
News
Fubara Inaugurates Judicial Commission On Killings, Blasts In Rivers …Charges 7-Man Panel To Be Resolute, Just
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and destruction of property at various Local Government Council Headquarters in the State.
Governor Fubara inaugurated the seven-member commission at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The commission that has one month to conclude its assignment, has Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri as Chairman; Mrs. Inyingi Brown as the Secretary; and Barrister Uzor Ikenga as the Counsel.
Other members are Barrister Felicia Nwoke; Prof. Blessing Didia; Sir Samuel Egbe; and Venerable Alex Usifor.
The Governor said the recent attacks and burning of Local Government Councils’ Secretariats on the 7th October, 2024, seemed like a repeat of what was experienced in 2014, months to the General Elections of 2015 when courts were set ablaze, residences bombed and people killed, leading to the closure of courts in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara said his administration will not look away while ill-guided youths and sponsored political thugs turn the State into a theatre of violence without being made to pay for such crimes against the State.
He said, “So, I have decided to take this action to find out the immediate and remote causes of this arson, most importantly, no matter the personalities involved, we must bring them to book.
“So, this assignment is a very important. It is an assignment that, if it is not done rightly, would give the enemies of this State opportunity to continue.
“And if we are right, it is going to be the end of further destruction of public property in the State. I know it is going to be very tasking. I can assure you that there will be threats, but you have to be strong,” he advised.
Governor Fubara stated that it is long overdue to inaugurate the commission of inquiry owing to incidences that have been witnessed since his administration came on board.
He explained that sometime in the past, about October, 2023, a similar incidence was experienced, and because he had thought that everybody was of the same political family, he decided to let go.
He added that the persistence of the violence and differences between people who once had worked together have seemingly destroyed chances of settling any misgivings internally.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “It has become very clear that rather than getting close to the path of peace, this State is gradually turning into a kingdom where law and order is no longer the order of the day. And we cannot fold our hands and allow such thing to happen.
“On the 5th of October, 2024, about four days ago, we had an election in this State. Before the election, we also heard from a lot of quarters, songs of war, (and) threats but we never took them seriously because we believed that a local government election is a prerogative of the State Government. It has nothing to do with anybody anywhere that is outside the confinement of our State.
“And for that reason, we believed strongly that whatever it is, we could manage it to produce the purpose of that election.”
Governor Fubara further said: “But, it is very unfortunate that after the election, even while the election was going on, several things happened, which we managed, thinking it was going to end there.
“The day after the election, there were also more threats from people, and we also thought it was just a normal threat, believing that it was not going to be out of hand but it did.”
Governor Fubara told members of the commission that God has not made any mistake to find them suitable for the assignment given to them.
He urged them to work with the mind of actualising the purpose of the assignment, and noted that history will not forget this responsibility given to them.
Governor Fubara outlined the terms of reference of the assignment given, saying that they must: “Determine the underlying causes of the violence and identify the individuals or groups reasonable for the attacks on some Local Government Council Headquarters and the harm caused to citizens.
“Evaluate the extent of damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives and estimate the financial losses incurred.
“Examine whether the violence was politically motivated, and if so, identify the key players and their roles in instigating the violence.
“Assess the effectiveness of the security agencies’ response to the violence and identify areas for improvement.
“Investigate the actions of individuals and groups involved in the violence in the face of the relevant laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, etc.
“Advise on adequate compensation and support for victims and their families, as well as measures to prevent future occurrences.
“Make recommendations on long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, including recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Recommend appropriate sanctions for individuals and groups found culpable.
“Make other relevant recommendations in light of its findings which the commission may consider appropriate,” and also mandated the commission to submit its report within “one month”.
Governor Fubara said the task will not be easy on them but added that they must brace up and do what is right for the good of Rivers State.
The Senate has called for improved budgetary allocations to universities in the 2025 budget in order to check brain drain and other challenges in the universities.
The Tide’s source reports that the senate’s decision followed adoption of a motion at plenary, yesterday.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to address challenges of increasing cases of brain drain in the Nigerian University System.” was sponsored by Sen. Ani Anthony (APC- Ebonyi).
Ani, in his motion said over the years, there has been a significant outflow of highly educated professionals in Nigeria, especially in the academia, in quests of better working conditions.
According to him, this worsened the skill gap in the workforce and is capable of hindering economic growth and development of the country.
Ani said that the National Universities Commission (NUC) report indicated that many Nigerian universities operate with less than 50 per cent of the required academic staff.
He expressed worry that the remunerations of the Nigerian university lecturers was among the poorest in the world, and it was last reviewed over 15 years ago.
This, he said cannot meet the current economic realities of the country.
He lamented that many universities in other Western African countries have better working conditions than what was obtainable in the Nigerian university system.
“I am worried over the continuous loss of experienced faculty members from our ivory towers to other countries, is capable of impacting negatively on the quality of education.
“ This reduces the effectiveness of teaching, learning and mentorship for students in our higher institutions.
“Also worried that brain drain has assumed an unprecedented posture in recent time, due to the current economic situation of the country.”
He stressed that the brain drain syndrome in Nigeria should be a cause for concern, as it threatens survival of the nation ‘s higher education, particularly in engineering, medicine and sciences.
He said the sectors were critical for the socioeconomic development of the country.
However, the Senate in its other resolution, mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND to liaise with relevant government agencies and work out modalities to check the spate of brain drain, in Nigeria universities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his remarks said all hands must be on deck to proffer solutions to issue of brain drain, as a matter of concern in the nation’s tertiary education.
He said that the reasons for brain drain was basically economic in nature.
He expressed believe that a review of the employment of personnel in tertiary institutions would help mitigate the brain drain issue.
