Niger Delta

OML 46: INC Applauds Diri’s Oilfield Recovery Effort

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2022

The Ijaw National Congress (INC), a socio-cultural organisation, has commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for his effort to recover the State Government’s Oil Mining Licence (OML) 46 in the Atala oilfield.
This was contained in a statement issued by Prof Benjamin Okaba, the President of INC.
The group noted that the decision of Diri to engage President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to reclaim the oil asset for the government and good people of Bayelsa was a step in the right direction.
“The governor’s October 5 meeting with Buhari in Abuja where he sought the President’s intervention to resolve the orchestrated controversy around OML 46, revoked in April 2020, is a demonstration of his leadership in the affairs and wellbeing of the Ijaw nation,” he said.
“We applaud Diri for also seeking the Federal Government’s intervention in road infrastructure in the State, and the need to adopt the Bayelsa Medical University as a suitable institution and location for the South-South region in the proposed establishment of six new federal universities of medical sciences and biomedical technology in the country.
“We thank President Buhari for expressing his commitment to Gov. Diri to urgently look into the OML 46 controversy and ensure that it is resolved in favour of Bayelsa because that is the right thing to do in the interest of peace, justice and equity,” the group said.
Okaba further said the INC equally applauds the Senate for dispassionately investigating the OML 46 saga and resolving that the oilfield be returned to its original owner.
“Findings, according to reports, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), formerly Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), could not show evidence that the President directed the re-allocation of Atala oilfield to a private firm is very instructive and revealing.
“It is much more instructive and revealing that the Committee also upbraided the NUPRC for flouting a presidential directive that the original owners of OML 46 be given the right of first refusal in the award of the oilfield”, Okaba said.
He continued the INC is in solidarity with Diri and his quest as a leader of Ijaw nation to pursue justice concerning the Atala oilfield through peaceful means to a logical conclusion for the benefit of Bayelsa and Ijaw people.
The Tide source reports that Buhari said he will restore the OML 46, to Bayelsa with “promptness and immediacy”.
The source reports that on October 6, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges And Public Petitions mandated the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPR), to restore the Atala Marginal Oil field (OML 46) to its former owners.
The oil field, which was originally owned by the Bayelsa Oil Company Limited (BOCL), Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited (HONL) and Century Exploration and Production Limited, was reallocated to Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited (Halkin E&P), through a letter dated July 7, 2021 by the then regulatory agency, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), over alleged inability to bring the Atala Field to production.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.