Niger Delta
Floods: Monarchs Count Losses, Fault FG, IOCs Over Neglect
Traditional rulers in Bayelsa State have continued to count loses the state and its citizens have incured in the cause of the floods across the state.
Speaking at a press conference held at the instance of the State Traditional rulers council in Yenagoa, as part of efforts to further empathize with Bayelsans undergoing the harrowing impacts of the floods, the State Traditional Rulers, through its Chairman, the Ibenanaowei (Traditional ruler) of Ekpetiama Kingdom, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agara IV), called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the State.
The Monarchs noted that while oil and gas explored and exploited from the state were used for the development of all parts of the nation, the Federal Government has, again, not shown enough commitment towards ameliorating the impacts of the flood in the State.
In the same vein, the royal fathers also condemned what they described as misinformed and unguarded comments credited to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Welfare, Hajia Sadiyar Umar Farouq, on her statement that Bayelsa state was not in the 10 flood most impacted states in the nation.
“Today, we need not remind anyone that we know that oil and gas resources used to lubricate the wheels of governance in Nigeria comes from the bowels of the land mass on which we stand. I mean from the bowels of the Niger Delta region where Bayelsa State is located.
“We also need not reiterate that our kingdoms and clans, our flood ravaged kingdoms and clans constitute crude oil blocks owned by persons and business concerns which regrettably, we don’t own, and even though the ravaging floods were still overwhelming, the gas flares are still burning-hot in our kingdoms and clans.
“We, the Royal Fathers of Bayelsa State, have observed that not only did the 2022 flood unleash unprecedented havoc in the state and beyond, it has also opened the floodgates of ignorance on the subject of the misery floodwaters could unleash on a people who live on the flat arcuate lowlands adjacent the mighty Atlantic Ocean”, the monarchs said.
The Royal Fathers, who acknowledged that following the height of the floods, roads, schools, health, electricity and other public and private infrastructures in the state have been damaged, noted that the Federal Government’s complementary mitigation effort in the state have remained all-time low and conspicuously insufficient.
They, therefore, warned that if the Federal Government does not come to the aid of the state, post-flood diseases and ailments would be on the increase in the State.
While commending the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as well as the state’s Flood Mitigation Committee, State cabinet members, the duo of federal legislators from the state, and members of the State House of Assembly for being at the forefront of cushioning the impact of the floods, the monarchs also added that farm lands and animals have all been destroyed by the floods.
They noted that the state has been totally seperated from other parts of the nation due to the cutting-off of the federal government’s East-West Road and other access roads to the state, saying it would cost billions to fix damaged infrastructure in the state.
“In the recent meeting of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council (BY TRC), we took turns in expressing the extreme ordeals we had to endure together with our subjects for over a month. We didn’t mince words in condemning the complete absence of agents of statutory Federal Government agencies and ministries saddled with the responsibilities of rendering assistance at our domains at times such as these.
“Rather, we’re seeing oil workers in their coveralls safe in their shuttles, going about their greasy, oily business, all over our flood ravaged state.
“Pitiably, there’s no evidence yet about any intervention from the oil industry to the flood ravaged people of Bayelsa State. Could it be that they also wished us all dead?
“Well, being natural swimmers, though distressed and displaced like never before, most of us are still alive”, the Royal fathers noted.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.