Niger Delta
Diri Takes Remediation, Global Sanction For Environment Polluters To UN
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has taken his campaign against environmental degradation and the impact of climate change on communities in the Niger Delta to the international arena.
Governor Diri made this case for the Niger Delta region while delivering a keynote address on the first day of a fou-day maiden DeltasUnite Summit of the United Nations Convention on Conserving of River Deltas (UNCCRD) at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.
He said there was need for joint action by the international community to protect the world’s Deltas due to climate-induced environmental changes.
The Tide learnt that the Bayelsa State Governor last advocated for the imposition of sanctions on polluters of the environment and a fund to compensate communities negatively affected by climate change in the oil rich region.
He stated that coastal communities in Bayelsa State and elsewhere in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, oil pollution and environmental degradation.
Diri, who is also Chairman of the UNCCRD Governance Committee, noted that the time to act was now in order to stem the devastating effects of climate change and the threats to the world’s Deltas.
“Whereas there may be diverse factors affecting the wellbeing and sustainability of the various Deltas across the world, the commonality of our predicament prescribes a joint action.
“There is no doubt that river Deltas worldwide are under threat. But for us in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa, in particular, this is a dire matter of life and death. Over a half century of oil exploration has left a legacy of pollution that not only scars our environment, destroying our Deltas, but also rob our people of their dignity and well-being”, he said.
Lamenting that the extent of devastations was either grossly under-reported or ignored, Governor Diri recalled a major oil spill incident on November 1, 2021 in Bayelsa State.
“The oil well was previously operated by Shell and was acquired by an indigenous oil firm, AITEO. The spillage of crude and associated gas lasted for over 38 days from two points into the creeks and the Santa Barbara River, which serves more than 50 fishing communities in Nembe.
“It took a long time after my intervention and that of the state government before the spill could be controlled. The reason is not far-fetched. As a state government, the laws of our country governing our oil resources are so lopsided that we lack the constitutional requirements to address such oil spill”, Diri added.
He further stated that in 2018, the State Government set up the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which conducted a scientific study detailed in its report: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa State.”
“The report of the commission, which was started by my predecessor and completed by me, lays bare the catastrophic impact of oil and gas exploration on our communities and habitats.
“The findings are deeply concerning as it states: ‘The rate of child mortality is skyrocketing, and life expectancy is plummeting; 16,000 infant deaths in 2012 and 97% of affected communities facing food insecurity. Additionally, 40% of our precious mangrove forest has been lost due to these spills, pushing us to the very brink of environmental genocide'”, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive hinted.
He also noted that coastal communities in the state on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean were also facing threats from coastal erosion, ocean surge and salt water encroachment from rising high-sea levels.
He also listed some of the communities to include Agge, Orobiri, Bilabiri, Amatu, and Aghoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Others are Ezetu, Foropa, Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as well as Odioama, Okpoama, Akassa, Twon-Brass, and Sangana, in Brass Local Government Area.
“So, we need urgent and collective assistance to dredge our water courses and erect shore protection, to address the climate crises and protect our most vulnerable communities as the very survival of our people now hangs in the balance”, he noted.
Diri commended the United Nations through its former Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, who rendered assistance to the state during the devastating 2022 floods, coming at a time the Federal Government neglected the state.
He described the global body’s approval of the UNCCRD at COP28 in Dubai in 2023 as “a watershed opportunity in our fight to halt the unrelenting assault on our Deltas.
“The danger is clear and present. Today, I urge this assembly to forge a Global Deltas Action Plan (GDAP) based on three fundamental pillars, which include empowering local communities with decision-making initiatives over climate adaptation policies affecting their lives, investing in nature-based solutions – restoring mangroves, reinforcing riverbanks, and implementing regenerative agriculture.”
He also advocated global climate financing that prioritises the most vulnerable Delta communities and now establishing of a global fund for remediation and restoration, and holding polluters accountable for decades of ecological damage.
Significantly, Diri stated that environmental justice should be recognised not as optional but rather a fundamental human right.
He also urged the UNCCRD not to see the summit’s white paper as just another document but that “it must be a declaration of intent, a binding commitment that the degradation of river Deltas will no longer be tolerated.”
A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him asserting the call on governments, multilateral institutions, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions to establish a dedicated budget for the operationalisation of UNCCRD.
The Governor’s statement read in parts: “We cannot build a sustainable future for our Deltas without financial commitment. It is not enough to set policies in motion. We must ensure the resources are available to bring them to life.
“Let this summit also push an agenda for a ‘Global Deltas Day’ when stakeholders and governments reaffirm their pledge to secure the future of our ecosystem.
“We are the guardians of the Deltas, and we will not let it be diminished. Our commonality should not be rooted in victimhood, but in our unyielding spirit, our collective wisdom, and our firm commitment to protecting the Deltas that give us life”.
Delegates at the summit were drawn from about 24 countries with Nigeria represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull.
The Bayelsa delegation included the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali; the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ololo; his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; a Director in the ministry, Mr. Wakedei Ere; and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.
Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.
Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.
“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.
Niger Delta
COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief
The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.
“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.
Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.
“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.
“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.
By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.
While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.
“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.
“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.
He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.
Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.
“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”
The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.
He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.
“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.
Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.
He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.
He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.
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