Niger Delta
Diri Tasks FG On Maritime Assets Protection Policy
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Federal Government to review its policy of using non-state actors in its effort to secure the maritime environment of the country.
Senator Diri,who expressed concern that the continued use of such unconventional security agents might cause greater security challenges in the near future, called for the strengthening of the Nigerian Navy to perform its constitutional responsibility.
He made the call Monday during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, at Government House in Yenagoa.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stressed that private individuals and groups should not be allowed to execute oil pipelines surveillance and protection contracts independent of the supervision of conventional security agencies.
He pointed out that safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters is the exclusive preserve of the Navy and should be supported in every way possible to enable it effectively secure oil and other critical national assets in coastal communities.
According to him, ‘already there had been reported cases of violation of human rights and security breaches by surveillance contractors in local communities around the state.”
The governor used the opportunity to commend officers and men of the Nigerian Navy serving in the state for demonstrating professionalism in discharging their official duties, which he noted, had helped Bayelsa to remain one of the most peaceful states in the country.
While calling on the Navy to sustain the tempo, Governor Diri suggested to the Chief of Naval Staff to give official recognition and rewards to the officers for their professional efficiency so far.
“The cry of the Bayelsa State Government is that non-state actors are not the best to protect our oil assets. In the name of oil pipeline protection contracts, most of them violate the rights of our people in our localities.
“Let us not do things that we will regret as a country tomorrow. What the Federal Government is doing right now is like cutting the nose to spice the face.
“You don’t need to cut off your head because you have rotten teeth. You simply look for took brush. You will be surprised that we will get to a point where some of these non-state actors will start to challenge is.
“I will suggest that the Nigerian Navy should be allowed to play that role to protect our critical oil assets. The Federal Government should therefore rejig or reinvent its security strategy to securing these assets”, he said.
“Bayelsa State and the Nigerian Navy are one. The Navy is part of us, and we are part of the Navy.
“The naval officers in Bayelsa State are very professional in their duties. I’ve to commend them for that. They’ve helped make Bayelsa one of the safest states in Nigeria.
“The Navy should give these officers an official recognition and reward them accordingly for their high professional efficiency”, he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, said the Nigerian Navy could not do without Bayelsa State in view of the state’s strategic location and the critical oil and gas facilities it is hosting in the Niger Delta.
Admiral Ogala, who described the recent electoral victory of the Governor and his Deputy as a true victory for the people of Bayelsa, appealed to the Government and people of the state to sustain their goodwill towards the Navy for better services.
The Chief of Naval Staff particularly called on oil bearing communities to see the Navy as a friend and to show cooperation in the provision of credible information to curb criminality in the state.
“Your victory is a victory for the people of Bayelsa State. You’ve done well in your first term and you will even do more in your second term.
“Bayelsa and the Nigerian are partners because Bayelsa is in the core of the Niger Delta. Bayelsa holds a lot of resources in oil and gas, and the protection of these assets is a key role of the Navy.
“The Navy’s duty is to create an enabling environment for the oil companies to produce their maximum output, and there has been significant improvement so far in the last six months.
“This is possible with the cooperation of the Bayelsa State Government and the people; the Bayelsa State Government has also provided resources to the Navy. So we have a cordial relationship with the oil-producing communities, and we need more cooperation in intelligence and information to curb criminality around the facilities”, Admiral Ogala added.
The Tide reports that on the entourage of the Chief of Naval Staff’s visit were several top-ranking naval officers, including the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.J, Bura, and the Commander of NNS Soroh, Commodore A.O. Ojebode.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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.
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