Rivers

Chiefs Endorse Rivers Community’s Head As Council Chairman

Published

1 year ago

November 17, 2023

Stakeholders and chiefs of Belema Community in, Akuku- Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, have unanimously endorsed the current Head of the community, Chief Tubonengiye-Ofori E. I. T. Oriye, as the Chairman of the Belema Council of Chiefs.
The chiefs, who gave the indication during a meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, spoke in favour of Chief Oriye, who they described as humble, intelligent and unassuming.
They recalled the peace and conviviality that pervaded the atmosphere during the meeting, and hinted that it was a clear indication of his general acceptance as the Chairman of the community’s Council of Chiefs.
The chiefs, who spoke one after another, told newsmen that the endorsement of Chief Oriye as the Chairman of Belema Council of Chiefs came on the heels of the purported claim by a member of the council, Chief Darego S. W. Asah, ascribing the position to himself, as contained in a burial programme of the deceased Chairman of the Belema Council of Chiefs, Chief Reuben Loveday Alaku, dated October 28, 2023.
According to them, the said burial programme was signed by Chief Darego Asah as Chairman representing the Belema Council of Chiefs.
Consequent upon this, the chiefs said the claim by Chief Darego Asah “was outrightly false, untrue and misleading”, insisting that they were reiterating the point and fact that Chief Oriye is the head and Chairman of the Council in order to set the record straight.
“We, the chiefs and members of the Belema Council of Chiefs unequivocally state that Chief Tubonengiye-Ofori E.I. T. Oriye is and remains the Head and Chairman of the Belema Council of Chiefs, and also a member of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs”, they said.
While further disowning Chief Darego Asah as the purported Chairman of the Chiefs’ Council, the chiefs called on companies, corporate organisations, well-meaning individuals and members of the public not to have any dealings with him, adding that “any one transacting business with him does so at his or her own risk”.
They stated that “what the community needs now more than anything else is peace”, and enjoined the people and residents of the community to guard against anything that would throw the community into crisis and turmoil.
The chiefs further reaffirmed their unalloyed support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying they solidly identify with the administration’s zeal and determination to reposition the State through its consolidation and continuity agenda.

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso