Rivers
NDDC Summit: MOSOP Lambasts Ogbuku
The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has decried the comment credited to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over the exclusion of Ogoni from Niger Delta summit which took place in Port Harcourt, last week.
The NDDC boss was quoted to have said that the reason for not including MOSOP and relevant stakeholders from Ogoni in the summit was because Ogonis had denied the Federal and State governments access to crude oil in their area.
“Assuming without conceding that the comment was made in his right frame of mind, then it means Niger Delta has successfully handed over NDDC to someone who doesn’t know the antecedents of the past Niger Delta leaders who stood their grounds against military dictatorship and some eventually lost their lives in protecting the common patrimony of our people”.
MOSOP was reacting in a press statement issued last Thursday in Port Harcourt by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Oscar Imeabe.
”A flash back of NDDC mission and vision reads respectively: ‘to offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties in the Niger Delta region’. ‘To facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and and politically peaceful’.
“If you were indeed honest that you are there to truly represent the people of Niger Delta, and of course if you’ve read through the mission and vision statements of NDDC, then you would have been abreast and inundated with the fact that the reason you are there in NDDC is to ensure the devasted ecological system of the Niger Delta is regenerated to sustain the people, but the reverse seems to be the order of the day,” the statement said.
MOSOP described the comment by the NDDC MD as an affront to the sensibility of the Movement and the Ogoni nation at large.
”This is more like killing the goose that laid the golden egg because for over decades that the federal government through Shell has exploited us, Ogoniland has been ecologically devasted and has lost all her major sources of livelihood.
“We are aware that he sits and supervises over a kleptocratic form of government and he is there to make a fortune and feather his own nest as against the norms and he feels that inviting the Ogonis will expose certain untold stories about his activities since his assumption of office.
“It would have been nice if he had cast his mind back and acknowledged the fact that ab initio, the federal government through Shell has had its own fair share in Ogoniland and Ogoniland has been used, re-used and over used, hence the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which gave rise to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP),” MOSOP said.
“The unfounded and naive comment points to the fact that Dr. Ogbuku doesn’t mean well for us and should know that most states in the nation that have no single drop of crude are the chief beneficiaries of the nation’s crude, and he claimed the crude has been untapped and for that singular reason, MOSOP shouldn’t be invited for a submit that has to do with Niger Delta which Ogoni people are critical stakeholders in the region.
“The question is, why was the UNEP report implemented by the former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on the 2nd day of June, 2016?.
“These and many more questions are begging to be answered and stare him on the face. The stark reality is that, whether Ogoni oil is used or not used, the terms and conditions listed must be followed all through before oil resuscitation in Ogoniland,” MOSOP said.
Also speaking, the President National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Comrade Nwibani Raymond Marcus, said it was pathetic and disdainful that the NDDC boss had refused to tell the people of the area the truth.
According to him, what Dr. Ogbuku is doing is to instigate youths against themselves, causing unrest in Niger Delta region.
“We all know that NYCOP is an affiliate body to MOSOP and we are concerned about the well-being of the people of Ogoni and Niger Delta at large.
“It is pathetic and disdainful that NDDC boss has refused to tell people the truth, rather he is busy instigating youths against themselves, and as a result youths no longer listen to themselves again. This is another way to fuel crisis in the area”, Comrade Marcus said.
He also called on the authorities to urgently address the problems confronting the Ogoni people, saying MOSOP cannot be neglected as it has a critical role to play in Niger Delta region.
By: Tonye Orabere & Kiadum Edookor
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
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
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.
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.