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Avengers Threaten Fresh Onslaught In N’Delta

Published

9 years ago

November 6, 2017

L-R: Branch Secretary, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB), United Kingdom, Nigeria Branch, Mrs Folashade Alli, Chairperson of CIARB, Young Members Group (YMG), Folake Sadiq, Chairperson of CIARB, UK, Nigeria Branch, Mrs Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour and Vice Chairman, YMG, Afolabi Adedipe, during the 1st Annual Conference of the CIARB, Young Members Group in Lagos, last Wednesday.

The militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, which last year aborted attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region to enable the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) proceed with meaningful dialogue with the Federal Government, has announced the suspension of ceasefire.
In a statement by its spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, the group renounced PANDEF, led by former federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and another militant group, the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers.
The statement said, “The Niger Delta Avengers are back and will not spare anything or anyone on our path to actualise a united and free Niger Delta.
“Our next line of operation will not be like the 2016 campaign, which we operated successfully without any casualties. This outing will be brutish, brutal and bloody, as we shall crush everything we meet on our path to completely put off the fires that burn to flair gas in our communities and cut every pipe that moves crude away from our region.
“We can assure you that every oil installation in our region will feel warmth of the wrath of the Niger Delta Avengers,” he said.
Reacting to the threats, however, leaders in the Niger Delta have rejected the militants’ position to restart bombing of oil and gas installations in the region, saying it was unreasonable and uncalled for.
But activists and campaigners also blamed the Federal Government for the twist of the militants, and lambasted feuding leaders and groups in the region for playing into the hands of government.
The campaigners said they were not surprised that the militants issued the notice of recommencement of its suspended ‘Operation Red Economy’.
It was learned that the convener of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, was consulting with other leaders across the region, last weekend, and the consensus was that there was no need for hostilities by the Niger Delta youth.
The National Leader of Pan-Niger Delta People Congress (PNDPC), and Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom, Delta State, Chief Charles Ayemi-Botu, who spoke on phone from New York, United States, said he did not see any need for the Avengers or any other militant group to return to bombing of oil facilities.
“Dialogue remains the best option; the Federal Government should be open to more discussions with the leaders of the region and implement agreements reached. It should hearken to the demands of the people and execute them. President Muhammadu Buhari met with Niger Delta leaders about a year ago. I was among the leaders that met with him and since then, nothing has happened.
A former military governor of Akwa Ibom State and PANDEF leader, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), attributed the threat by Avengers to the failure of the Federal Government to keep to its promise to meet the demands of the Niger Delta.
He said, “It is unfortunate because it is like we are going back to the starting point. This is where we were about this time last year, and that was how concerned elders came together under PANDEF. It was that intervention that made them to cease hostilities and oil production went up from 800,000 barrels per day to over 2million. I think recently we have relaxed on the need to continue on the peace initiative.
The Ibedaowei of Opokuma Kingdom, King Okpoitari Diongoli, said the threat was a troubling development with huge potentials to reverse the wheel of progress in the oil-rich region. “However, I call for caution from all stakeholders as dialogue remains the most potent weapon for the peaceful resolution of the impasse”, he said.
“In my view, the Federal Government needs to show genuine commitment and sincerity of purpose in addressing the Niger Delta issues. The issues of review of ownership of oil blocks, the modular refineries, restructuring, devolution of powers and true federalism have been on the front burner for over 50 years and have not been addressed by the authorities which has further fuelled renewed tension in the Niger Delta.
Environmental and human rights activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, said she was not surprised that the NDA had said government was never sincere, adding “The policy that the government is operating is not a policy that favours the Niger Delta”.
“That is why even when former President Goodluck Jonathan was in power; it was not possible for him to do what we expected of him. The fact that for over a year, PANDEF has not been able to achieve even one point of the 16-point agenda given to the government shows clearly that government is not sincere”, she added.
National President of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI), Austin Ozobo, who shared Ann-Kio Briggs’ position stated: “We blame President Buhari for the return of the NDA and the suspension of PANDEF activities. Buhari trivialized Niger Delta demands and that is the cause of the return of Niger Delta Avengers, so, the international community and other well-meaning persons should hold Buhari responsible for any crisis in the region”.
Factional President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Eric Omare, said the decision by the NDA to resume hostilities was very unfortunate and worrisome.
“It is worrisome because of the devastating effect the attacks had on the Nigerian economy the last time”, Omare said.
However, the Presidency and the military, have carefully refrained from commenting on the NDA threat.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, referred newsmen to the Amnesty Office, saying “Reach Gen. Paul Boroh of Amnesty Office”.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said he had not been briefed.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Maj-Gen John Enenche, could not be reached for comments.
The spokesperson for the Army, Brig-Gen Sani Usman, also did not pick telephone calls, but in response to text message, he referred our correspondent to the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), currently keeping the peace in the Niger Delta, for comments on the NDA threat.
When contacted, the spokesman for OPDS, Major Ibrahim Abdullah, he promised to get back, but as at press time, he was yet to do so.

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We’ll Be Intentional In Our Support To Improve NYSC Scheme -Fubara

Published

1 week ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of his administration’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the scheme in the State.

Fubara gave the assurance last Friday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area in the State, during the swearing-in ceremony of 2026 Batch B Stream II orientation course.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Promise Oguzie, the governor said the State Government would remain intentional in providing the necessary support to improve the NYSC scheme and enhance the experiences of corps members deployed to the state.

He charged the corps members to be role models and quality nation-builders in their service to the good people of Rivers State in particular, and Nigeria at large.

“I charge you to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all you do. Take full advantage of all the camp programmes and activities to enrich yourselves”, he said.

In his welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Rivers State, Mr. Moses Oleghe, urged corps members to see their deployment to Rivers State as a “veritable opportunity to make meaningful contribution to the growth of the State in particular and Nigeria at large.”

He further charged them to serve with all sense of “integrity, discipline, and the fear of God, especially when they will be engaged as INEC ad-hoc staff that will conduct the 2027 general elections.”

A total of 3,584 corps members composed of 1,421 males and 2,163 females were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, who was represented by Justice Godspower Aguma.

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Fubara: Nigeria Needs God-fearing Leaders To Make Progress …Applauds Seventh Day Adventist

Published

2 months ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Nigeria needs God-fearing leaders for the nation to move in the right direction and make meaningful progress.

The Governor stated this yesterday when he received in audience, the World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler; his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler; daughter Mariana Marques Kohler and a retinue of ministers of the church at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara who hailed the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions to education and the grooming of future leaders in Nigeria, expressed delight that the Church had over the years, been investing in education at various levels and currently runs two universities in the country.

He commended the church for not only using its institutions to spread the gospel of Christianity but to groom future leaders for the country.

According to him, religion should not be just about defending one’s faith, but also making meaningful impact on the lives of the people.

He said that by floating these educational institutions, the church has demonstrated capacity to support Nigeria in the task of producing not only educated people but a breed of God-fearing leaders.

“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line and that is what has brought us to where we are today.

“So, I feel very happy that you are contributing to the development of our future leaders in this country. We need the right people being in the right place; prepared properly with good minds; that is what we need, not just in Nigeria but round the whole world.,” he said.

Governor Fubara further observed that the absence of God-fearing people in high places to take the right decisions that could impact positively on the society, has also given rise to other problems such as social inequality, poverty, corruption and criminality. According to him, Nigeria needs a system where the average parent could afford quality education for their children and a guarantee that upon graduation, the average child will have the capacity to compete favourably with anybody, anywhere in the world.

“If we have a situation where the little money that you’re being paid as wage can also afford you quality healthcare and after working at least for 15-20 years, you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime? At that point, you’ll feel secured and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to all the social vices we have today won’t be there,” he said.

Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and for their prayers for Rivers State, assuring them of his continued support for their programmes in the state.

Leader of the delegation and World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler said he was in Nigeria for a special conference of the church during which thousands of the church’s ministers will be undergoing an empowerment programme to further equip them for the task of herding their flocks and serving the society.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his entourage, saying the memory of the visit will linger in his mind for a lifetime.

Kohler disclosed that the Church has over twenty -four million (24,000,000) members and more than 182,000 places of worship, spread across 212 countries of the world.

Featured

Rivers Assembly Approves Fubara’s 2026–2028 MTEF

Published

2 months ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.

The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.

Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.

Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.

He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.

The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.

During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.

The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.

Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.

Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.

The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.

According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.

Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.

The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.

King Onunwor