Niger Delta
Diri Takes Remediation, Global Sanction For Environment Polluters To UN
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has taken his campaign against environmental degradation and the impact of climate change on communities in the Niger Delta to the international arena.
Governor Diri made this case for the Niger Delta region while delivering a keynote address on the first day of a fou-day maiden DeltasUnite Summit of the United Nations Convention on Conserving of River Deltas (UNCCRD) at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.
He said there was need for joint action by the international community to protect the world’s Deltas due to climate-induced environmental changes.
The Tide learnt that the Bayelsa State Governor last advocated for the imposition of sanctions on polluters of the environment and a fund to compensate communities negatively affected by climate change in the oil rich region.
He stated that coastal communities in Bayelsa State and elsewhere in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, oil pollution and environmental degradation.
Diri, who is also Chairman of the UNCCRD Governance Committee, noted that the time to act was now in order to stem the devastating effects of climate change and the threats to the world’s Deltas.
“Whereas there may be diverse factors affecting the wellbeing and sustainability of the various Deltas across the world, the commonality of our predicament prescribes a joint action.
“There is no doubt that river Deltas worldwide are under threat. But for us in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa, in particular, this is a dire matter of life and death. Over a half century of oil exploration has left a legacy of pollution that not only scars our environment, destroying our Deltas, but also rob our people of their dignity and well-being”, he said.
Lamenting that the extent of devastations was either grossly under-reported or ignored, Governor Diri recalled a major oil spill incident on November 1, 2021 in Bayelsa State.
“The oil well was previously operated by Shell and was acquired by an indigenous oil firm, AITEO. The spillage of crude and associated gas lasted for over 38 days from two points into the creeks and the Santa Barbara River, which serves more than 50 fishing communities in Nembe.
“It took a long time after my intervention and that of the state government before the spill could be controlled. The reason is not far-fetched. As a state government, the laws of our country governing our oil resources are so lopsided that we lack the constitutional requirements to address such oil spill”, Diri added.
He further stated that in 2018, the State Government set up the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which conducted a scientific study detailed in its report: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa State.”
“The report of the commission, which was started by my predecessor and completed by me, lays bare the catastrophic impact of oil and gas exploration on our communities and habitats.
“The findings are deeply concerning as it states: ‘The rate of child mortality is skyrocketing, and life expectancy is plummeting; 16,000 infant deaths in 2012 and 97% of affected communities facing food insecurity. Additionally, 40% of our precious mangrove forest has been lost due to these spills, pushing us to the very brink of environmental genocide'”, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive hinted.
He also noted that coastal communities in the state on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean were also facing threats from coastal erosion, ocean surge and salt water encroachment from rising high-sea levels.
He also listed some of the communities to include Agge, Orobiri, Bilabiri, Amatu, and Aghoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Others are Ezetu, Foropa, Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as well as Odioama, Okpoama, Akassa, Twon-Brass, and Sangana, in Brass Local Government Area.
“So, we need urgent and collective assistance to dredge our water courses and erect shore protection, to address the climate crises and protect our most vulnerable communities as the very survival of our people now hangs in the balance”, he noted.
Diri commended the United Nations through its former Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, who rendered assistance to the state during the devastating 2022 floods, coming at a time the Federal Government neglected the state.
He described the global body’s approval of the UNCCRD at COP28 in Dubai in 2023 as “a watershed opportunity in our fight to halt the unrelenting assault on our Deltas.
“The danger is clear and present. Today, I urge this assembly to forge a Global Deltas Action Plan (GDAP) based on three fundamental pillars, which include empowering local communities with decision-making initiatives over climate adaptation policies affecting their lives, investing in nature-based solutions – restoring mangroves, reinforcing riverbanks, and implementing regenerative agriculture.”
He also advocated global climate financing that prioritises the most vulnerable Delta communities and now establishing of a global fund for remediation and restoration, and holding polluters accountable for decades of ecological damage.
Significantly, Diri stated that environmental justice should be recognised not as optional but rather a fundamental human right.
He also urged the UNCCRD not to see the summit’s white paper as just another document but that “it must be a declaration of intent, a binding commitment that the degradation of river Deltas will no longer be tolerated.”
A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him asserting the call on governments, multilateral institutions, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions to establish a dedicated budget for the operationalisation of UNCCRD.
The Governor’s statement read in parts: “We cannot build a sustainable future for our Deltas without financial commitment. It is not enough to set policies in motion. We must ensure the resources are available to bring them to life.
“Let this summit also push an agenda for a ‘Global Deltas Day’ when stakeholders and governments reaffirm their pledge to secure the future of our ecosystem.
“We are the guardians of the Deltas, and we will not let it be diminished. Our commonality should not be rooted in victimhood, but in our unyielding spirit, our collective wisdom, and our firm commitment to protecting the Deltas that give us life”.
Delegates at the summit were drawn from about 24 countries with Nigeria represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull.
The Bayelsa delegation included the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali; the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ololo; his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; a Director in the ministry, Mr. Wakedei Ere; and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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