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IOCs, Security Personnel Aiding Oil Theft In Emuoha – LG Boss

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By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso 
The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Security Agencies of aiding oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.
He described the alledged collaboration between the officials of IOCs and security operatives as a delibrate attempt to sabotage the fight against illegal oil bunkering activities, otherwise refered to as “Kpofire” in the area.
The council Chairman made the accusation when he visited the scene of a recent fire outbreak occasioned by illegal oil bunkering activities in Rumuekpe Community, Emohua LGA.
The fire outbreak, which claimed the lives of yet to be established number of persons who were allegedly scooping petroleum product from a pipeline along the Ovelle-Nvakaohia section of Rumuekpe Community, occured at the early hours of Friday.
About five vehicles and three tricycles suspected to be used for the  transportation of the criminally scooped petroleum products were completely burnt.
“It’s unfortunate that IOCs and security personnel are also involved in this. If they were not involved, tell me how those who scoop this product manage to transport them out of here, considering the number of security checkpoints around here.
“There is an army formation very close to the scene of this fire outbreak. Would they say that they don’t know that criminals are scooping petroleum products here ?.
“These days security personnel lobby to be posted to places like this so that they collaborate with the perpetrators, everybody want to be posted here to come and collect money.
“If officials of the oil companies are not involved, how do the criminals know when there is pressure in the pipeline?
“You can see that there’s a very strong cabal benefiting from this, not these ones roasting in the fire here. Top officials of the oil companies release information on when there’s pressure in the pipe”, the Chairman said.
The Emohua LGA boss, who commiserated with the families of the victims of the fire outbreak, urged relevant organs of the Rumuekpe Community to activate the necessary machineries in the community to establish the exact number of the victims who are indigenes of the community.
He, however, frowned at the resurgence of illegal oil bunkering activities in parts of the LGA after a fruitful advocacy and enforcement exercise carried out in the area by his administration “in line with the directive of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who has been at the forefront in the fight against oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in Nigeria.
“Today, my people have died as a result of this, but when you try to stop them, they say there’s hunger in the land. Then I ask, do you need to dig a hole to cover another hole?.
“We commiserate with the families of the victims and pray that the souls of those who died in the inferno rest in peace, but it’s unfortunate that after all we did to stop this menace, after all the advocacy to make our people understand the danger associated with this activity, some still went back to it.
“Remember that I put my life on the line because of the fight against this menace; you all know the effort I put to stop this, but today I hear it is even worse in Ndele and Ibaa.
“In line with the directive of Governor Nyesom Wike, the chairmen of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State did everything possible to stop this menace, but we were never encouraged by the Federal Government.
The Council Chairman called for a sincere collaboration between the three tiers of government for an intensive enforcement to eradicate oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum products, especially in the oil producing states.
He stressed that the Federal Government that is exclusively empowered to champion the fight against oil theft cannot succeed without the government at the third tier, which understand the localities and the geography of the rural areas where these menace are perpetuated.
“The Federal Government need to be sincere, you don’t come here and go straight to communities to do a road show without synergizing with the local government councils who understand the area very well.
“The Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Chief of Army Staff visited some communities, clamped down on a few perpetrators and went back to Abuja without a proper synergy with the State and Local Governments.
“Today, the boys are back and I hear they’re even more technical now. So, Mr Minister and the army chief have to come back and do the right thing because there’s a limit to what the local government can do because petroleum is in the exclusive list, but with a proper synergy we can end this”, he said.
Lloyd  was accompanied by the Councilor representing Rumuekpe Community (Ward 8) in the Emohua local government legislative assembly, Hon Bright Green Obilor, and a combined team of security personnel, as well as pipeline security and surveillance.
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Niger Delta

RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.

Kiadum Edookor

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Niger Delta

OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

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The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.

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Rivers

Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term 

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National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.

This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.

This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.

Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.

“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.

“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.

The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.

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