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Reps Probe Security Agents’ ‘Involvement’ In Illegal Oil Refining
The House of Representatives has called for investigation of the proliferation of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region, especially with the alleged involvement of men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
At the plenary, yesterday, the House specifically asked the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, and heads of other relevant security agencies to “immediately clampdown on the activities of these illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region of the country and prosecute those found culpable.”
The House also asked the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Environment to “urgently develop and implement modalities to clear off the soot currently experienced in Rivers State and other parts of the Niger Delta region.”
The House further mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Navy, Army, Defense and Interior to “investigate the alleged involvement of security agencies in the illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta region of the country.”
In addition, the House urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to grant licences for the establishment of modular refineries and support their establishment while asking that the existing licences for modular refineries should be reviewed to enable either cancellation or renewal or additional licences.
The House mandated its Committees on Host Communities and Downstream to ensure compliance with the last resolution.
Both joint panels are to report back to the House within six weeks.
The House passed these resolutions based on a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing Ukanafun/OrukAnam Federal Constituency in AkwaIbom, Unyime Idem, titled, ‘The Urgent Need to Curb the Activities of Illegal Crude Oil Refineries in the Niger Delta Region to End the Soot Currently Experienced in the region.’
Moving the motion, Idem noted that Section 44(3) and Item 39 Schedule II of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution vest the control and management of natural resources and hydrocarbon operations on the Federal Government for the common good and benefit of the citizens.
He also noted that the economy of Nigeria has over the years been premeditated and totally dependent on oil from the Niger Delta region.
Idem said, “The House is concerned that the Niger Delta region of the country has over the years been plagued by the activities of illegal oil refineries to the detriment of the lives of residents and the economy of the country. These activities have compounded the age-long problem of environmental pollution and degradation caused by the seismic and exploration activities of the multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta; contributing to the dramatic changes in the weather pattern being experienced in the region.
“The House is further concerned that these illegal activities have sabotaged economic activities of residents of the area, caused severe health hazards on citizens, robbed the country of critical revenue, and aggravated the problem of pollution in the region.
“The House is worried about the case of soot currently suffered by citizens and residents of Rivers State and the environs in the last three years, as a result of incomplete burning of organic matter by these illegal refiners.
“The House is disappointed that some security agencies and some influential individuals have been alleged of complicity in the activities of these illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region of the country.
“The House is worried that if this trend continues unabated, the Niger Delta region will be at health risk and economic activities will crumble.”
It would be recalled that the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, had expressed shock and dismay over the allegations levelled against the anti-vandal unit of Rivers State Command of the NSCDC by Governor NyesomWike.
Wike had accused the NSCDC unit and police of aiding and abetting vandals and illegal bunkerers to carry out their nefarious activities in the state, urging the Commissioner of Police, Mr Eboka Friday, to redeploy out of the state, a particular Divisional Police Officer in Emohua Local Government Area operating an illegal refinery in the area.
“It’s unfortunate for this country how security people will be involved in illegal bunkering. I can’t believe it. Mr CP, I thank you for transferring the DPO from Rumuji, who owns a refinery. But the man must leave here, not be transferred. He must leave this state,” the governor had partly said.
The CG of the NSCDC had subsequently ordered the suspension of the head of the anti-vandal team and the disbandment of the unit.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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