News
Egi, Total E&P On Collision Course
The French Oil giant, Total Exploration and Production and Egi, its host community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State may be heading for collision, thereby ending the many years of their relationship.
This is coming on the heels of several allegations bordering on neglect, deceit, non-compliance with agreements cordially reached by the parties to foster good relations, levelled against the oil firm.
Frustrated by the company’s refusal to honour a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed since 2012, an apex organisation of Egi community, Egi People’s Assembly (EPA), through its leadership, had written a letter to the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to call the company to order, and advise them to respect agreements with host communities.
The letter was channelled to the governor through the Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Shadrach Chukwu, for action.
The Tide reports that since the submission of the letter, nothing tangible has happened as several meetings scheduled by the commissioner for the community and the company to address lingering issues have suffered many postponements at the instance of Total.
Although the parties finally met on July 26, with the commissioner presiding, after the Egi community had stated their case, the company again took an adjournment to return August 16, one of the Egi delegates, Dr Ifeanyi Obulor, exclusively told The Tide.
The community was, however, irked by the company’s action on the agreed date.
It was reported that last Tuesday morning, while Egi delegates numbering more than 50, were waiting in the commissioner’s office, one of Total’s administrative staff brought in a letter dated the same day, and addressed to the commissioner, requesting for a postponement of the meeting.
The letter, signed by one Joseph Ajilore, reads in part: “We write to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated August 11, 2016, with reference MENR/CR/16/281, inviting the Management of Total E & P Nigeria Limited to a follow-up meeting with the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
“May we kindly inform the Hon. Commissioner that due to the arrival of a new Deputy Managing Director for the Total P & E, Port Harcourt District, we are unable to attend this meeting at the agreed time”.
The Tide learnt that the reading of the letter generated anger and tension in the commissioner’s office as most delegates immediately expressed reservations on the non-challant attitude of the Total management.
Reacting to the development, the new President-General of Egi nation, Apostle Magnus Elemele, said: “Commissioner, you can see the behaviour of this company. How can they send a letter this morning when my people are already here, having abandoned their different businesses to attend this meeting?
“Total E & P is the only oil company in the Niger Delta that had been operating for years without disruption of their operations by our people, but see how they are repaying our good gestures.”
Several other delegates also expressed anger that if a meeting convened by the state government could be treated with levity, the community may just be treated with a wave of hands.
The commissioner, who frowned at the attitude of the company, said: “the action is a slight not only on me but also on the governor on whose behalf, I am acting”, remarking that inasmuch as government would like to protect oil firms operating in the state from undue harassment, it will not tolerate acts that are capable of undermining any community.
He pleaded with the Egi community to exercise patience, and allow government to handle the matter, suggesting that another date for the meeting should be taken.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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