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Lawmaker Petitions Soludo Over Agency Officials’ Violent Conduct

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The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to caution officials of the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency, over their violent conduct in Okpoko Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Ogene said the step became necessary in order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the community, adding that officials of the agency have been conducting themselves in a very violent manner in the name of collection of sanitation levy, describing their activities as “illegal and violent”.
The lawmaker, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, stated these after receiving a protest letter from the leadership of the Okpoko community, over their recent harrowing experiences in the hands of agents of the government agency.
He also said that the state government, should also, in clear terms, address the contentious issue of the 2021 and 2022 sanitation levy in the area, so as to conclusively resolve the disagreement and avert a looming security danger in Okpoko.
The protest letter by the leadership of Okpoko community, the most populated area in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, was presented after a massive protest by residents of the community, who accuse ANSEPA of illegally and violently demanding 2021 and 2023 sanitation levy, which they said the government had already “taken care of,” seemingly during the last governorship campaign period in the state.
Narrating their ordeals in the letter, the Okpoko community disclosed that ANSEPA employs the services of daredevil thugs who often besiege the community at odd hours of the day – sometimes, as early as 4 am – armed with cudgels and wood, going from house to house to terrorise residents, beating and maiming those who fail to pay the alleged illegal levy.
Ogene said, “Such cruel approach to revenue collection is condemnable and ought not to be encouraged in a democracy and any civilised society.
“While I am not against revenue generation by government, such activities should be undertaken in a legitimate, civilised, peaceful and fair approach that would not threaten the peace of the people.
“I, therefore, call on Soludo to urgently call ANSEPA management to order, especially the contractor responsible for the collection of levy from Okpoko and Ogbaru Local Government Area in general, in order not to ignite crisis and bad blood between the community and government agencies, that may potentially engulf the state.”

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ICT Centre Set To Be Establish In Omuku

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An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, ogba/egbema /ndoni local government area of Rivers state .

The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.

As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.

The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.

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Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

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Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.

The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.

According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors

‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”

It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees

“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”

The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said

It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development

Earlier,  chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.

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NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region

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The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture  NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.

The two leaders  spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt

Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.

He said no other persons can  do this except sons and daughters from the region.

“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.

“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.

Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment  as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.

Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.

“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved  our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.

The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.

He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.

 

John Bibor

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