Rivers
MOSIEND Urges IYC To Apologize To Sen. Lokpobiri
The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) a Mass Mobilization Organization in the region has urged The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to tender an unreserved apology to The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri for what it described as unwarranted attack on his personality.
MOSIEND who picked offence on the attack on Sen Lokpobiri is asking the IYC to immediately withdraw the statement and beg The Minister his for forgiveness.
The IYC had gone to the media calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet and move Sen Lokpobiri to another office where his incompetence will not be noticed, alleging that the Ministry of Petroleum is too big for him to handle.
The group also blamed Sen Lokpobiri for the current fuel crisis in the nation and the delay in the kickoff of Port Harcourt refinery; accusing him of mismanaging his office and causing untold pains and hardship on the citizenry
The National President, MOSIEND Amb. Dr. Kennedy Tonjo West in a statement made available to Newsmen said Ijaw means truth, but lamented the way and manner people who call themselves Ijaws rushed to the public to publish falsehoods and made derogatory statements against their leaders too often
West, in the statement, asked those behind the publication to take a deep moment to ask themselves if those things they said about Sen Lokpobiri are actually true because it is unbelievable that Ijaw men/women could say such things about their own brother.
He said, ordinarily, MOSIEND wouldn’t have commented on the issue, but that after deep thinking, it saw the need to caution those behind the publication as it doesn’t reflect the true position of things.
West, said for the records, Sen Lokpobiri is not responsible for the delay in the immediate commencement of operations of tje Port Harcourt refinery; noting that these ugly developments responsible for the delay were caused by the past administration which failed to do the right things despite the billions of naira that were approved for the project and would not tell Nigerians the truth about the prolonged delay.
He explained that it is not fair for anybody, especially the Ijaws, to blame it on Sen Lokpobiri for the delay in the commencement of operations because the problems were inherited and despite that, he is putting in efforts to hasten up the process.
According to him, “We actually didn’t want to get involved in what is happening between IYC and Sen Lokpobiri, but we have seen that it is a misplacement of priority and a display of aggression.”
“We saw this hike in fuel prices coming, because of how reckless the former administration handled matters, and we saw how the issue of the Port Harcourt refinery played out. It is not Sen Lokpobiri’s fault.”
We have also resolved as Ijaws not to run down our people in spite of their misgivings against any public office holder, come to talk of it, the person of Sen Heineken Lokpobiri, who as a matter of fact is not even the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources and the overtly displayed antics Mele Kyari in saying the least.
Secondly, the refinery is not directly under the Minister’s purview, but NNPCL, so why would one try to rubbish him, over what is not his making and to what gains”
“It is also regrettable, and shameful that our people could condescend so low to asking for a replacement of somebody who is working round the clock to bring Mr. President’s mandate to fruition in spite of the hopeless situation he inherited.”
“It is also regrettable that of all people, it is his people that are behind the attacks, and not only that, it is coming from a respected institution like the IYC.”
“We are asking that they render an unreserved apology to the Hon Minister.”
We are equally well calling on the Hon Minister to take an appraisal of his disposition towards his people and the Niger Deltans if it is one that deserves commendation or outright disapproval hence warranting such lash out from his kinsmen.
“During the past administration, all Nigerians knew the monies being sunk in the refinery would be wasted because the government didn’t have the will to revive the refinery. So, how can you wake up suddenly to say it is Sen Lokpobiri that’s responsible?”
“How can you use such heavy words, such unprintable words as incompetence, inefficient and ineffectiveness on the Minister – an Ijaw man who has done them no wrong?” Why didn’t they call for the replacement of the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources or better still the Managing Director of NNPCL as well, since they want to proffer solutions.
“They should go and hide their faces and heads in shame for this action,” Today is Sen Heineken Lokpobiri, who is next on the line tomorrow ? No matter the grouse with the Hon Minister, this is one too many, you just don’t malign or denigrate somebody’s reputation for purpose to compelling him to do your bidding or getting at him forgetting that the public is watching. West said. It also behoves on to note that the so called Press Release was signed by just a section of the entire exco. This thus portray them as disgruntled elements in the National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC. THINK. Go the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Proverbs 6:6
According to the MOSIEND President, there’s nobody in Ijaw nation or Niger Delta that’s happy with the publication
Chinedu Wosu
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.