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Politics Of Oil, Solid Minerals …A Case Of Numbers Being Strength

Published

7 years ago

October 31, 2016

The agitation for economic integration, political relevance and environmental protection by individuals and interest groups within the Niger Delta did not start today. Before it snow-balled into full-blown insurgency, well-meaning elite and indeed political and environmental activists had at various times made the case for the respect of the universal law on land ownership and why Nigeria’s Land Use Decree was an enactment of oppression.
Men like Chief (Senator) Melford Okilo, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye and Ken Saro Wiwa among others of blessed memory were civil in their agitations, arguments that drew global support for their noble cause. They insisted that the act of denying land owners proceeds of their inheritance was barbaric, suffocating, marginalizing and indeed oppressing.
Even with facts of history on the issue of derivation, the level of environmental hazards occasioned by oil prospection and production, the pollution of the people’s rivers and swamps, the threat to their major occupations, fishing and farming and above all, the discrimination against the youth of the affected areas, the political class weighed heavily in favour of the majority tribes dismissed the people’s agitation with a wave of the hand.
So frustrating, even the issue of derivation was also politicised. Infact, it was a case of persistent civil protest from one government to another, both civilian and military. At some point under the Buhari military leadership, derivation was as low as 1.5 percent, even with all the environmental degradation suffered by the people.
What was most annoying was that the people of the rural areas, where, oil was daily being drilled, saw electricity light in house-boats and estates of oil companies but used kerosene lamps.
The people saw oil company workers drinking bottled water and threw the wastes into their rivers, which also obstructed fishing, but drank from wells and sometimes stagnant water.
That two-class syndrome also ignited the vulnerability of the girl-child, who became play thing for highly paid oil workers. The freebies such vulnerable girls got from the predatory pastime of the red-eyed workers encouraged easily prostitution and sent many out of schools.
Employment of the males was also a pipe dream. Each oil company involved in the production of oil went to the rural communities with their own work force, and ensured sustenance of the status quo by manipulating posting of youth corps members from their own tribes who are eventually employed, instead of the qualified many within the community and state.
Even the Act providing low level jobs for locals was observed in the breach. With that, the frustrated youth thus became mere tools in the hands of oil workers, to whom they served as pimps, for cutting grass at the estates of the companies, sparingly as night guards and at other times for clearing of gutters.
Interestingly, because operational modus was signed directly with the Federal Government, the oil bearing communities, with all their environmental stakes were insulated from the operations or got peanuts. Like the proverbial man surrounded by water with none to drink, the Niger Delta youth saw unbridled affluence and financial rascality daily flaunted by oil workers to lure their sisters, aunts and even mothers out of matrimony, but could not touch.
That indeed further fuelled the violent agitation. With nothing to rely on for sustenance, since their rivers and seas were covered by oil wastes and sometimes leaks from their pipes with devastating effects on all sea creatures, sea foods like periwinkles, oysters, shrimps and mangrove crabs among others daily exterminated by pollutants and with no hope of change, what was once a civil debate, humble protest, mature agitation and simple appeal by the elite turned to violent threats, militancy and insurgency.
The major demand became Resource Control, and arrangement which would allow the people and governments of oil producing communities and states to control the resources from their God-given land, as obtains everywhere in the free world. The youth wanted true and practical federalism which would force states to pay taxes through the management of their own resources.
But for over 50 years, that simple request remains unanswered. Each time, their protestation turned to a violent kind, given that a hungry man is near-frequently an angry man, the oppressors would demonstrate their heavy handedness through the deployment of arms and ammunition to quell any insurrection while the central issue remained unsolved.
In all these years, the argument put forward by the political elite of the majority North and their South Western collaborators has been that oil is a gift from God and so belongs to all, therefore, primary owners of the land, being Nigerians, cannot lay claim of singular ownership to such resources. According to them, since the treasure remained buried beneath the land, within Nigerian geographical space, it belongs to all Nigerians, and so must be centrally manage, as if the Niger Delta became Nigeria by choice.
With that conclusion, proceeds from oil go faraway Abuja to sustain even states that contribute little or nothing, apart from being lucky to be under the protection of the majority.
That is also why the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has not been passed for nearly six years. Part of the bill seeks to make paltry allowance for oil bearing communities, not just to give them a sense of belonging but also instill in them the need to protect oil company assets located in their arears, since they are direct beneficiaries.
That too appears to the strong majority opposition too much of a sacrifice, since oil is simply a gift from God. But to whom? The same God that gave the North more fertile land for agricultural and livestock activities and rivers and swamps to Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, among others for fishing? With such rivers, seas and swamps polluted by production of a commodity that now belongs to all, would the North also willingly share proceeds of their agricultural earnings?
Each time these questions are raised, the answer has remained the same. Oil, being buried beneath the land within Nigeria’s territory, remains a gift from God. But in their comfort zone, they forget that those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable, as the sages say.
Could that have accounted for the large scale insurgency under the Yar’Adua Presidency and subsequent pronouncement of amnesty? Unfortunately, all other projects that went with the amnesty, especially the East West Road still remain uncompleted. Still too much infrastructural deficit. Still too much discrimination against qualified manpower of Niger Delta origin.
Bottomline, Niger Deltans cannot claim benefits from their own lands, because everything sourced therefrom is a gift from God, and belongs to all.
That is why it came to me as a rude shock last week, to read that the Adamawa State Government, in Northern Nigeria is to start exporting solid minerals including uranium, gold, lead, diamond and platinum, according to that state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Shanti Shashi.
Infact, Commissioner Shashi said BTP, a Swiss company has signed a $56bn contract for solid minerals exploration in a very short while.
When did gold, lead, diamond, platinum and uranium become cash crops? What different law excludes these products, buried beneath the land as Gift from God? Or is it simply a green light for resource management and control?
It is most unlikely, because even as recent as last week, President Muhammadu Buhari alluded to the fact that with all the talk about diversification of the economy, oil production still remains the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, and so would do everything humanly possible to improve production and by extension, improved earnings.
My Agony is that it is very likely that the policy of resource control would come into effect, now through the back door, and later officially only when oil in the Niger Delta dries up completely. That will be when, Borno State begins oil production in large quantities.
Here, perhaps is a window for state governments in oil bearing Niger Delta to go into partnerships with willing foreign investors to start oil prospection and production before oil dries up.
Let’s not dismiss this merely as view thought out in recession, with a near empty stomach. It is a window shut for over 50 years of oil exploration.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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Be Firm In Fight Against Oil Theft, Fubara Tells CNS …As Navy Moves Training Hqtrs To Rivers …Seizes 14 Vessels In Three Months

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has encouraged the Nigerian Navy to be firm in the fight against all forms of economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft, in the nation’s waterways.
The Governor noted with delight the positive results already recorded by the Navy in the State due largely to the tremendous support it has received from his administration.
Governor Fubara spoke when he hosted on courtesy visit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla with his delegation of top officers of Navy High Command at Government House in Port Harcourt,yesterday.
The Rivers State Governor stated that Nigeria was facing myriad of crises, including economic challenges, rising insecurity and criminal activities that threaten the national economy, which should not be overlooked.
He said, “We are working together, we will give you all the support to make sure that you deliver on your mandate.
”And what is the mandate? You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crises, and your duty, among others, include to reduce, if it cannot be eliminated completely, the criminalities perpetrated on the waterways; oil theft and others.
”And I am happy that they are positive and commendable records of achievement so far, in the course of your tenure.”
Governor Fubara said the good news of reduced level of oil theft in Rivers State is evidence of the many positive things that are happening in the State beyond the much hyped negativity, and assured that such positive achievements will be sustained.
The State Chief Executive insisted: “The success of the Nigerian Navy in our State, in the areas of oil theft, is because the State Government has given you all the necessary support.
”We have collaborated with the command here. We supported them morally, and with all the necessary logistics.
”We have also maintained good relationship with the communities to make sure that whatever it is that is required for these operations to be successful were granted. I am happy to be associated with these very laudable achievements.”
Governor Fubara said: “So, I have to say that I am happy that the Chief of Naval Staff, today, is commending the success of the exercise. He is commending the doggedness of the men in fighting oil theft, not just in the Niger Delta, but particularly in our State.
”I want to assure you that we will continue to give them the support, and discourage any act that would be a sabotage to the economy of our State.”
Governor Fubara said that Rivers State was not named in error: there are several water channels that can boost the operations of the Navy. This is why we are requesting that the Nigerian Navy move all its bases to the State.
”It was not a mistake they called it Rivers State. It is surrounded with all forms of rivers. You want the Atlantic region, you can get it here. You want those small creeks, you can also get it here. Maybe, if you want an Island, you can also find it here.
”So, it is proper if we work with you and you have all that is required within this geographic region, to have all your bases relocated to Rivers State,” he said.
He further said: “We must continue to give you the necessary support to make sure that you succeed. I am happy to also say that, as the Governor of the State by the special grace of God, we are still here, not minding the dramas here and there. We will not let our people down in ensuring that we protect their interest.
”We will support the genuine course of governance; the protection of lives and provision of basic amenities. And these can only be achieved when there is a peaceful environment.
”And the peaceful environment can only come when there is a collaboration with security agencies to prevent crimes, and protect lives and property of residents.”
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated that the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State are like conjoined twins who cannot do without each other.
This is because, he said, they needed collaboration on various aspects of their activities ranging from training, operations, logistics, adding that Rivers State is key to their performance.
”My purpose of coming here today are three folds. The first is to inform His Excellency that on Saturday, we are graduating a set of former civilians who have been trained at our Basic Training School, Onne, and are graduating to join the ranks of the Nigerian Navy as ratings in order to beef up our strength.
”The second reason is to first appreciate the Governor and the entire Rivers State Government for the schools they donated to us: the Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Secondary School at Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Secondary School, Egbelu in Oyigbo Local Government Area.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla stated further: “We also want to use this opportunity to inform His Excellency that following that donation, and based on our strategic plan of moving our facilities to areas where we have enough space to be able to carryout out duties, we have renovated the school at Eleme.
”We are happy to report, today, that the erstwhile location of Headquarters of Naval Training Command, Lagos, is moving to that particular school location in Eleme, tomorrow.’
Speaking on the operational successes recorded thus far, he said that propelled by the charge given to them by President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy, under his watch, has impounded 14 vessels caught to be conveying stolen crude oil and several other individuals arrested, adding that investigations into their culpability were ongoing.
”I am here today to report Sir, that, with the “Operation Delta Sanity”, launched in January, 2024, we have been very successful, and within the period, we have recorded tremendous successes and achievements.
”Over 14 large crude carrying vessels have been arrested within that period. Most of them are at various levels of investigation. We have also arrested several barges and other companies and organizations that are involved in oil theft.
”As a result of the operations, we are happy to report that there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security in the maritime environment,” Ogalla added.

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118 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Niger Prison

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2024

The Tide

A heavy downpour has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 118 inmates.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, yesterday.
Duza noted that the downpour which occurred on Wednesday night, caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
However, 10 fleeing inmates had been recaptured following a swift response by the NCoS in collaboration with other security agencies.
Duazu promised that efforts were ongoing to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates, adding that their database would soon be made known to the public.
Recognising the vulnerability of ageing facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza acknowledged that the NCoS was committed to modernising its infrastructure.
The statement further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The public was encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Meanwhile, the United States has underscored the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons.
The US, according to its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published on its website on Tuesday, noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, revealing a systemic issue.
Furthermore, it disclosed that a notable proportion of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, faced difficulties in meeting even the most fundamental standards of living.

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Rivers’ll Be Known For Peace, Not Crisis -Fubara

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that peace has prevailed because he draws strength from God to resist insults and tantrums thrown at him while frustrating attempts by some disgruntled persons who wanted to plunge the State into unending crisis.
The Governor also said that because he has anchored his Government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Governor Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has unarguably enhanced harmonious atmosphere of concord as residents sleep with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders are happy with the returns on investment.
He said, “Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now”, he asserted: “The Governor has brought about a lot of changes in the State. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The Governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
Governor Fubara urged them, as members of the Christian family in the State, to continue to pray for the State and the Government so that the enemies of the State will be put to greater shame.
“This peace is what I want you to embrace. Go and continue to pray, because when the sower of the seed went and sowed, the enemy went in the night and sowed tares inside there. But the Governor is sowing peace.
“When I listened to the leader of the team, His Grace Eddy Ogbonda, he said you came all the way from Eleme Junction, and stopped at major junctions, and you uttered prayers for the peace of Rivers State.”
He also said: “I, hereby want to thank you for identifying with the Governor at a time like this. At a time when it looks as if someone wants the Governor’s peace posture misunderstood as weakness.
“When someone has the strength to fight back, but refuses to fight back. That is a bigger strength; that power of restrain does not just come, it can only come from God.
“You cannot give peace, if you do not have peace within you. The Governor is not interested in any form of trouble or violence. What he is interested in is known, and it is: let there be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
In his address, leader of the group, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda, said they had observed a week-long intensive prayers that culminated into a peace rally, which brought them to Government House, and assured the Governor that God will continue to give him victory over his adversaries while preserving Rivers State.
“It is Rivers State Prophetic Prayer Convocation and Rally 2024 with the theme: ‘Peace be still’. Of a truth, everyone of us understands that we live in a time when we need peace much more than any other thing.
“Rivers State needs peace. Everyone as individuals need peace. The country needs peace, and the world at large needs peace. So, we are here to do a peace march. We pray that God will command His peace to reign in Rivers State,” he said.