Rivers
LG Boss Warns Oil Companies Against Selective Judgement
The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon. Erastus Awortu, has warned oil companies operating in Andoni to desist from employing selective judgement approach in their relationship with their Host Communities, saying that such is capable of causing crisis and instability.
Hon. Awortu issued the warning at a dialogue with the Traditional Ruler of Ikuru Town in Andoni, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Miller Ikuru, Ikwuit VII and members of the Council of Chiefs of Ikuru Town as well as representatives of an oil company operating in the area, “Green Energy International Limited”, to resolve a conflict between the Youth and the Chiefs on employment slots in the company.
The meeting followed a recent protest by the Youth of Ikuru Town who accused the Chiefs of allegedly hijacking employment slots in the oil company meant for the Youth.
Some persons were reportedly injured during the protest by the Youth which turned violent, while some Chiefs were said to have been threatened by the protesters.
The Council Chairman accused the oil company of creating the confusion which created the tension in the community and triggered the anger of the Youth thereby leading to the violent protest.
He urged Green Energy to desist from actions capable of pitting the people against themselves as such could undermine law and order in the area, create instability and interrupt their operations.
“I want to urge oil companies, particularly, to try not to create confusion in Communities where there is no confusion. They must not divide a place to operate peacefully. Creating division in the community is also going to make their operation even more difficult.
“I want to urge Green Energy to give employment to all those that they promise employment and stop creating the impression that some people hijacked slots meant for some other persons”, he urged.
Hon. Awortu called on the aggrieved Youths of Ikuru Town to halt further hostility in the area on account of misinformation or confusion resulting from employment slots in Green Energy, saying he would ensure that no member of the Host Community is shortchanged or deprived of their rights and benefits in the Company.
He urged “everyone to maintain the existing peace in the area as they go about their lawful businesses without let or hindrance”.
On his part, the Chairman of Council of Chiefs of Ikuru Town and former Commissioner of Special Duties in Rivers State, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, debunked allegation of hijack of employment slots in Green Energy meant for the Youths.
He also debunked allegation of marginalization of the Youth in the relationship between the oil company and the host community.
According to Ikanya, “The Youth were not correct on the point they raised in their protest. No Chief went to Green Energy to remove any list, and if Green Energy agreed with them for a number of employment slots, they did not also relate with the Council of Chiefs.
“I also hear the Youths were complaining of marginalization. Again, this is also not correct because in every meeting of the Community, the Youth are invited. In fact, sometimes if we want to discuss about our relationship with the oil company, we invite the BOT, we invite the leadership of the Youth.
“We invite every organ of the company to attend, the Youth are always in attendance of our meeting. So, I can’t find any reason why they should conduct the kind of protest to the extent I hear they conducted, and I can’t find any reason they also issued threat to the life of all the Chiefs and the King of Ikuru Town.
“In the meeting, we have been able to tell the Council Chairman that there is no truth in all the allegations raised by the Youth, and the Youth themselves know that there is no truth in all the allegations.
“I hope that the Youth will learn a lesson that violence does not pay any nation, it doesn’t pay any Community, there are dispute resolution avenues.
“Even the PIA provided for dispute resolution, if they were aggrieved or if there was any information they wanted to find out, they would have written to the Council of Chiefs or, at least, find out from the Council of Chiefs and hear their explanation before taking to the street in protest but this was not done.
“Our appeal is to the Youth to sheath their sword. I appeal to them to obey the law of the Nation”.
By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso
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The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.
At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.
The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).
In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.
He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.
Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.
They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.
Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.
In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.
Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.
According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.
She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.
“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.
With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.
This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.
Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.
The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.
He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.
According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.
He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.
The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.
He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.
Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.
His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.
Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.
The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.
By: King Onunwor
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.
A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.
The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.
He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.
He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.
The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.
By: King Onunwor
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