Niger Delta
Association Boss Hails FG Over Pipeline Surveillance
The National Chairman of Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association, Comrade Dogini Chidi, has commended the Federal Government’s initiative on pipelines surveillance.
This is particularly considering the positive results it has recorded in the increased output of oil and gas production in the country.
Chidi, who made the commendation during the association’s last quarter sensitisation programme in Ahoada Town recently, said the association is out to ensure that there is no more vandalisation of oil and gas facilities in Ekpeyeland.
He urged the Federal Government to complement the efforts of the host communities by creating job opportunities and empowerment programmes for the youths to sustain the existing peace in the area.
He noted that over time, there have been series of pollution in the area as a result of oil exploration activities, coupled with pipeline sabotage which has virtually engulfed all the communities in the Niger Delta.
According to him, “pipeline surveillance has come to stay. If we continue to protect the oil and gas facilities, surveillance job will create more job opportunities for our youths”.
The association chairman, however, faulted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report on Ubeta Deep Oil Field project carried out by Total Energies EP Nigeria Limited, and called on the Federal Government and all relevant authorities to reverse and review the report by ensuring that Ekpeye people are properly captured in it, to avoid and avert a chaotic situation in the area.
He also appealed to Ekpeye people to be more united than ever in order to be able to confront common challenges, contending that instead of disagreement, the Ubeta gas project should be seen as a uniting factor.
Chidi also advised all sons and daughters of Ekpeye in the bush to sheathe their swords and avail themselves of the opportunity to embrace peace for the betterment of Ekpeyeland, describing Ekpeyeland as one of the most endowed areas with natural resources in the Niger Delta, which he said should be properly harnessed and utilised for the good of the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Steve Wordu, described the Ekpeye region as the gateway and the engine room of Nigeria’s oil and gas exports, and appealed that Ekpeye should be part of the central committee or communities to be considered whenever oil and gas business is being discussed.
He noted that all the fiendish things that have happened in Ekpeyeland, particularly with respect to cultism, were as a result of neglect, saying the wealth of Ekpeye has been stolen to develop other areas and tribes while the people are dying in the midst of plenty.
While urging the people to wake up from their slumber and demand what is due them, Wordu stressed the need for them to use the opportunity provided by the Ubeta Deep Oil Field, to factor in the demand for the participation of Ekpeye people in the oil surveillance and security project, while underscoring the EIA report on Ubeta Deep Oil Field.
He further lamented that the EIA report did not take into consideration the Federal Government’s policy on local content, stressing that the local content policy gives consideration to certain levels of employment and contracts to oil companies’ host communities.
“That EIA report violates that policy of the Federal Government. If Ekpeye people allow that report to be approved, it means that we have betrayed ourselves and our future generations”, he said.
On his part, Alhaji Sheik Abdulrazak Philip Echeye, said the root causes of vandalisation of pipelines and electricity facilities are hunger and unemployment, and advised community leaders and youths in the various communities to form anti-sabotage volunteers to protect oil, gas and electricity facilities in the area.
He also urged Ekpeye people to key into oil business, stressing that “Mr. Alikor Dangote, for example, who is not from an oil producing area, has now built the biggest refinery in West Africa”.
He, therefore, admonished the youths to look into the area of ICT for a better future.
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.