Niger Delta
Ex-militants Task ExxonMobil On Post-Amnesty Programme
Ex-militants from Akwa Ibom have accused Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) of not complimenting the government’s gesture for peace in the Niger Delta region.
The youths under the auspices of Ex-Niger Delta Agitators Forum in Akwa Ibom, decried the neglect of the oil communities by the company, an affiliate of U.S. energy firm, ExxonMobil.
The Secretary of the forum, Mr Edoho Paul, told our source on Monday, that oil firms operating in the region were expected to collaborate with the Federal Government in creating jobs for the erstwhile restive youths.
“It is rather unfortunate that oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region are yet to do their part in the amnesty progamme of the Federal Government to address the neglect of the region.
“The companies are silent and in our own state in Akwa Ibom we have approached Mobil and, we observed that they systematically excluded the oil communities over the years from their operations,’’ he said.
Paul said the ex-militants had taken steps to get the attention of the oil firm by staging a peaceful demonstration last week to draw its attention to the continued neglect of Akwa Ibom oil producing communities.
According to him, the ex-militants have also called for the relocation of the headquarters of the oil firm from Lagos to Akwa Ibom in compliance with the directive of the Federal Government.
Paul further said the operations of Mobil in Akwa Ibom were yet to rub off on the economy of the state as most of its employees paid their taxes to other states.
He said the development had deprived the state of millions of naira in tax revenue.
“We have asked them to ensure that their service companies are compelled to open their project offices within the state to create jobs for the ex-militants. “This is very important because the oil firms are enjoying the peace ushered in by the amnesty programme but have not supported it,” Paul said.
He noted that as transformed and law-abiding citizens, the youths had resolved to adopt non-violent approach in getting the oil firm to accommodate them.
He explained that due to this approach, Mobil had also enjoyed uninterrupted operations which had resulted to improved oil output in the last few years.
Paul urged the oil firm to invest in the post amnesty scheme by developing social amenities for the host communities.
On his part, Mr Williams Mkpa, a community leader in Ibeno, said the community had suffered several oil spills as a result the activities at the Qua Iboe terminal.
He said Mobil had declined to pay compensation to affected fishermen.
“We are compelled to seek legal redress and I can tell you that we have several pending cases with Mobil because they are insensitive to the cry of members of their host community.
“The level of underdevelopment in Ibeno, where Mobil has operated for over 40 years, is like an open wound for all to see, so what the ex-militants are agitating for is justified,’’ Mkpa said.
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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