Business

Ahiamakara Demolition: N139m Compensation Tears PHALGA Community Apart … EFCC Quizes Factions

Published

7 years ago

April 18, 2018

The sum of N139million paid to Rebisi Central Age Group by the Rivers State Government as compensation for the demolition of Ahiamakara market at Waja area of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State is currently causing crisis among three groups in Rebisi Kingdom.
The Tide gathered that the two opposing camps in Rebisi Council of Chiefs and Elders are at loggerheads over the compensation sum of N139 million paid for the demolition of market shades being managed by a socio-cultural organisation, Rebisi Central Age Group.
The Tide source hinted that the N139 million is now a subject of investigation by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The sources further hinted that all the groups have been invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning.
Those invited include the leadership of Central Age Group and the other chiefs led by Chief Azubuike Nmerukini and Eze Uche Elikwu.
It was also learnt that the Rebisi Central Age Group headed by Elder Bennett Amadi as president general, Sunny Chuku as Secretary and Godspower Owhonda as treasure, respectively were petitioned by Rebisi Owhor Holders Council and Elders and Chiefs of Rebisi Kingdom in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
The chiefs, in a petition by their counsel, U.G. Nwokocha alleged that the leadership of the age group and others tampered with the sum of N139 million paid as compensation by the state government for the acquisition of the said expanse of land and the payment was made through Zenith Bank into the account of Rebisi Central Age Group domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria PLC.
The petition urged the financial crimes agency to stop those concerned from the disbursement of the said sum of money, stressing that if not stopped, nothing would be left for the entire Rebisi Kingdom as they claimed that the demolished property was owned by the entire kingdom but managed by the Central Age Group.
It was also gathered that two weeks ago, the leadership of the Rebisi Central Age Group summoned a meeting of all Chairmen and secretaries of age groups affiliated to the Central Age Group and informed them that the President was made to sign an undertaking by the chiefs and elders headed by Nmerukini and Elikwu to return the sum of N69million to his group of chiefs and elders’ council.
According to the sources, this threat made the president general, to transfer the sum of N69 million from the coffers of the Central Age Group to the chiefs headed by Chief Nmerukini and Elikwu after the disbursement of N1.5million to each age group affiliated to the central age group.
It was on that note that the other group headed and a contender to the throne of Eze Apara Rebisi, Eze Victor Worluchem petitioned the Rebisi Central Age Group and other chiefs to return the said sum of N139 million to Rebisi kingdom.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the President General of Rebisi Central Age Group, Benneth Amadi confirmed that he was invited by the EFCC, last Thursday, and explanations were given as the area concerned was managed by the group.
Amadi regretted that the compensation had brought so much interest, but added that all along the Rebisi Central Age Group has been managing the stores and expanse of land which the money was paid for.
He argued that the expanse of land belongs to the Central Age Group, adding that the group has a judgment to that effect.
Nmerukini and Elikwu could not be reached for comment, but one of the chief whose counsel wrote the petition,Chief Cyprian Worenwu confirmed that they were all going to EFCC to sort out the issue.
He vowed that the alleged Eze Apara Rebisi Chief Victor Worlechem and his group of chiefs and elders would ensure that all legal means were exhausted to get the compensation to the owners.
‘’Our prayers is to the further sharing of the N139million and the N69million handed over to Eze Elikwu and Chief Nmerikini be retrieved immediately because the money was meant for all Rebisi indigenes and not a particular group.
When contacted, the Head, Public Affairs, Port Harcourt zone of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale confirmed that the commission was still investigating the matter, adding that those involved were also in the office of the commission for another round of interrogation, yesterday.
Oyewale said the commission would give those involved fair hearing while investigations are still on.

Business

MWUN Backs Nigeria’s Bid For IMO’s Category C Seat

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

It also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.

Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, President-General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.

“We now have peace on our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.

Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.

“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa”, he asserted.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.

“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space”, Bunu stated.

Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.

“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth”, he pledged.

As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.

“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce”, he said.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Food Security: FG To Review Nigerian Agric laws

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Government has taken steps to review Nigeria’s agricultural laws to promote the development and enhance food and nutrition security in the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this recently at the opening of the stakeholders’ workshop and input on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform in Abuja.

Abdullahi said these laws, which are the subjects of review or amendment, have been enacted for a very long time to provide the legal frameworks for the promotion and development of the agricultural sector.

“The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, as well as adaptation to changing weather patterns.

“This is in addition to the challenges of insecurity, climate change and high input costs which continued to affect agricultural inputs.

“In view of the above, it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate the key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector”, he said.

Noting government policies and initiatives are aimed to boost agricultural production to meet the food needs of the growing population, Abdullahi said efforts were being made to support small holder farmers through access to finance, training and technology.

He also said there was growing awareness of the need to address gender inequality in agriculture and empowering women to participate in decision-making and access resources.

The Minister further said the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act was a priority, as it was intended to feature among the President’s legacy achievements under his Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative.

According to him, “Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support and infrastructural development.

“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth and overall well-being of Nigerians”.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said a strong and robust legal framework was crucial for the agricultural sector.

Earlier, the Director, Legal Services in the ministry, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, underscored the urgent need to reform and reposition Nigeria’s legal framework to support a modern, vibrant, and resilient agricultural economy.

Garba said the event also represented a significant step towards strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation, adding, “Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security and sustainable development.

“The law plays a significant role in shaping the agricultural sector, and updating our laws will help us address emerging challenges and opportunities”.

Business

Okpebholo Charges Committee To End Herders, Farmers Clash In Edo … Inaugurates Boundary Committee

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly established Livestock Control Committee to bring to an end the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.

He gave the charge while inaugurating the 27-member committee, headed by a retired army general, Cecil Esekhaigbe.

The Governor gave the committee a clear mandate, which include tackling the pressing issues of security and land disputes in the State.

“There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.

“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience on the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, he said.

In his remark, Chairman of the committee, General Esekhaigbe (rtd), outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference which include, “regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; and controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities.

“I know security is one of the pillars of your five-point agenda, and we all know that one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.

“We will do our best to make sure that our assignment, which has been given to us, is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers’ areas will not be mentioned in our dear state.”

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.

The committee is tasked with the responsibility of addressing persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within the State and those bordering neighbouring States.

“I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.

“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of the Edo people,” Okpebholo stated.

Responding, the Boundary Committee Chairman, Dennis Idahosa, assured that the committee will “ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities, and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”