Open Grazing Ban: Delta working towards Sept. deadline - Okowa

Open Grazing Ban: Delta working towards Sept. deadline - Okowa

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday said that the state government had begun work toward enacting a law to prohibit open grazing in the state.

According to Ifeajika, who was on a Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) live television programme monitored in Asaba, Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021 is already before the House of Assembly.

He said the Bill had scaled first reading at the parliament, and expressed optimism that the Bill would be passed and made ready for the governor’s assent before the September deadline set by the Southern Governors' Forum in their recent meeting in Lagos.

He commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly for their commitment towards ensuring that the Bill was passed on time.

"It is true that the Southern Governors' Forum had set September deadline for states to pass their anti-open grazing laws.

"For us in Delta, we would have had ours passed and ready long ago if not for the strike embarked upon by the parliamentary workers.

"However, the Bill is already before the House and it has passed through first reading while the second reading has been slated for Wednesday.

"I am very optimistic that the Law will be ready in Delta before the September deadline set by the Southern Governors’ Forum.

"I must commend the Speaker and members of the House for their commitment in ensuring that the Bill gets the urgent attention it deserves," Ifeajika stated.

We must do everything within our powers to end insecurity, says President Buhari

We must do everything within our powers to end insecurity, says President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is ready to use everything within its powers to end insecurity in the country and bring perpetrators of criminal activities to book.

 

The President, who spoke on Tuesday at a dinner with members of the National Assembly, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, said ‘‘insecurity, manifesting as insurgencies, banditry, kidnapping and urban crime of all sorts is the single most difficult challenge we face today.’’

 

He expressed concern that insecurity had inhibited government’s ability to build infrastructure, provide the much needed social services to the people, and to attract investments that drive innovation, create industries, and provide jobs and create wealth.

 

‘‘Some of the people who perpetuate these various manifestations of insecurity do so for profit, others, in the name of discredited ideologies.

 

‘‘Whatever their motivations may be, their actions are an existential threat to our country.

 

‘‘In the circumstances, we must do everything within our power, without consideration of distractions, to put an end to their activities and bring them to book.

 

‘‘We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from this objective, or waver in our commitment, and I am confident that together we will triumph in our present efforts,’’ he said.

 

President Buhari also used the occasion to hail the ninth National Assembly for discharging their legislative duties with maturity and competence, describing the legislature as ‘‘full partners in national development.’’

 

He particularly commended the minority parties in the legislature for their cooperation and support for Government programmes.

 

‘‘Our ability to govern in the best interests of the Nigerian people depends to a great deal on effective collaboration and partnership between the Legislature and the Executive.

 

‘‘The obligation to check and balance each other is not an invitation to conflict, and it should not be characterised by quarrelsome disagreement when consultation, engagements and compromise have proven time and again to be a more effective approach.

 

‘‘In the 9th Assembly, you have distinguished yourselves by your conduct in office, by the scale and quality of your legislative interventions, and by your capacity for engaging with the difficult questions facing the country with maturity and competence,’’ he said.

 

The President listed some legislative accomplishments of the ninth assembly ranging from returning of our budget cycle to January to December, the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Nigeria Police Act, the Finance Act, the Deep Offshore Production Sharing Contract Act, amongst others.

 

Commending the leadership of the National Assembly under Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila for their dedication through challenging times, the President told the legislators:

 

‘‘You have also succeeded in overcoming the political and other obstacles that have, for two decades, inhibited the much-needed reforms of our Oil and Gas industry, resulting now in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

 

‘‘I congratulate you all, and thank you for your contributions to the difficult, yet necessary task of nation building.’’

 

The President noted that the executive and legislature came into office at a time of significant challenges for the country.

 

‘‘Overcoming these challenges require that we finally confront long ignored questions of economics, politics, law and history that are often at the root of our national problems.

 

‘‘This moment in history requires us to make hard choices, take difficult decisions and act with diligence and patriotism to ensure that our country can survive and thrive long after we have all left.

 

‘‘What this means in effect is that our jobs will not get any easier. However, the objectives we seek, and will work together to achieve, deserve our best efforts regardless the sacrifice,’’ he said.

 

As the second legislative year of the 9th Assembly has just come to an end, the President noted that it was appropriate to jointly review shared commitments, to identify what has been achieved, and what is still left undone.

 

‘‘This way, we can prioritise activities and allocate the resources necessary to ensure that in the lifetime of this Assembly, and of the administration, we can complete the work we have started, and leave behind a record of achievement that will stand all of us in good stead in the assessment of history,’’ he said.

 

The President said he looked forward to continued collaboration and partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, working together to achieve a shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous country.

 

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 13, 2021

Taskforce meets with Orosuen of Uhurie Kingdom over construction of illegal structures under Otokutu bridge

Taskforce meets with Orosuen of Uhurie Kingdom over construction of illegal structures under Otokutu bridge 

In the early hours on Tuesday 13th July, 2021, a combined team of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, the Federal Ministry of Works as well as the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency met with HRM, Reuben Ogode Raleigh, the Orosuen of Uhurie Kingdom, following the report of construction of illegal structures discovered to be Saw Mill company (market) under Otokutu bridge in Ughelli South LGA, of the state.

The state taskforce served Abatement Notice to stop the construction work because it discovered that the owner of the project does not take cognizance of safety precaution as well as the state environment law.

Speaking during the meeting, the Asst. Coordinator of taskforce Delta South, Hon. Rita Mcmendie made the king to understand that the project encroached the state environment law. She stressed that before such project is carried out, the following terms and conditions must be  observed so as to be on the safe side of the law.

1) Write application letter to the office of Delta State Taskforce on Environment for approval.

2) Obtain Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate from the Ministry of Environment.

3) Obtain Right of Way Permit from the Federal Ministry of Works.

Once the above requirements are meant, there would be no problem as regards to the project in the future, she stated.

Also speaking is Mr. Michael Boyor, from Federal Ministry of Works, said the project was suppose to be sited a distance of 45.72 metres, that is 150metres wide left and 150metres right away from the bridge. According to him: "When taken measurement at the project site with tape, we find out that the project encroached the Federal Government Right of Way Law among others. Hence the work has to be stopped until due process is followed." He added that the essence of following due process was to ensure security of lives and properties as well as to avoid unnecessary accident.

In his response, the Orosuen of Uhurie Kingdom, HRM. Reuben Ogode Raleigh appreciated the team of the State Taskforce on Environment for the enlightenment and the peaceful approach, stressing that he will follow up the guidelines as provided by the law and the government. The Orosuen reiterated that he decided to open up the popular Otokutu bridge where criminals and ritualists used as hideout to perpetrate evil. He believe that bringing Saw Mill market will help develop the area, thereby siege away criminals operating under Otokutu bridge. He therefore, appealed to the government to cooperate with him so as to keep the environment safe for residents, he stated. 

Meanwhile, the State taskforce also Served Abatement Notice to a dredger working at Otokutu creek close to the bridge to stop work because its operations in the area violates the Delta State Environment Law. The dredger was supposed to operate in a reasonable distance of half kilometers away from the bridge as well as residential homes. It was discovered that the dredger encroached the law by working below the required standard of operation. The dredging activities is unsafe to residents in the area as well as a threat to the public bridge. They where asked to stop work until they follow due process in order to prevent foreseen future calamity in the area.

However, those present at the meeting include; Hon. Rita Mcmendie (Asst. Coordinator taskforce), Mrs. Rachael Obiren (Health Official), Mr. Michael Boyor (Rep Ministry of Works), Hon. Frank Alale (Supervisor taskforce), Mr. Michael Oyimor (Supervisor taskforce) and Engr. Okeme Obruche, from Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency, Delta State.

Gov. Okowa Sent more Commissioner Designates to Delta Assembly for screening

Gov. Okowa Sent more Commissioner Designates to Delta Assembly for screening 

Delta State House of Assembly has received a list of additional eight Commissioner designates  for screening and confirmation from 

The list of the Commissioner designates was contained in the letter of the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021. 

The nominees are to appear in the House on Tuesday, July 20th, 2021 for screening and confirmation. 

They are Prof Patrick Muoboghare immediate past Commissioner for Higher Education; Hon Chika Ossai immediate past Commissioner for Trade and Investments; Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana for Commissioner for Energy; and Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba immediate past Commissioner for Oil and Gas.

Others include Dr Mordi Ononye immediate past Commissioner for Health; Hon. Ovie Oghoore immediate past Commissioner for Transport while the new entrants are Barr. (Mrs) Bridget Ayanfulu Executive Assistant to the Governor on Girl Child and Hon Solomon Golley for Chairman Ethiope West Local Government Council. 

Also at Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Public Finance Management Bill, 2021 scaled first reading, while second reading slated for July 27, 2021. 

***Delta State Farmers Registration, Monitoring and Certification Bill, 2021, passed first reading, second reading to be taken August 3rd, 2021. 

Delta Sate Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021(Delta Anti-open grazing law) Scales First Reading and Second Reading fixed for Wednesday, July 14, 2021. 

*** House Screens, Confirms Engr. Henry Onwordi Idama for appointment as Director General, Delta State Water Sector Regulatory Commission.

Delta State Highly Infectious Diseases Management Bill, 2020 Fails Second Reading.

Again, Phase 3 Amnesty Generals Urged Dikkio to Carry Out Verification in order to sanitize the system

Again, Phase 3 Amnesty Generals Urged Dikkio to Carry Out Verification in order to sanitize the system

Press Release

13th July, 2021

Phase 3 Amnesty Leaders Appeal To PAP Coordinator Dikkio, To Carry Out Verification Of  Generals ln Phase 3, In Order To Sanitize The System From The Hands of Corrupt Niger Delta Leaders

Sir, l Gen. Godstime Ogidigba, the Spokes person on behalf of my colleagues the phase 3 Amnesty Generals, hereby appeal to your  lnterim administration to holistically look into our plights.

The issues affecting the Phase three leaders of the Amnesty program are listed as follows:

1) Verification of phase three leaders: This will enable the Amnesty office know the genuine leaders of the program and do away with fake people whom were injected into the program through the back door by some corrupt politicians and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region to shortchange the real beneficiaries in phase three. 

(2) Leadership Training: The reason phase three leaders are crying for it is becasue it will do us a lot of good now and in the future.

3) Hijacking Of Benefits and dividends of phase three amnesty program. Sir, since the era of Hon. Kingsley kuku, Mr Julius  Joseph has been the national chairman of phase three, he is from Bayelsa State, he was given over 1500 slots to share amongst the phase three leaders but he only distributed 500 and share 1000 to his family members and friends. This is fraud, barbaric and nepotism that is not acceptable. However, Mr Julius is not alone in this misappropriation of slots meant for phase three leaders. Others are Mr. Julius Joseph, Three Lion, Mr Johnson Ajuwa and Mr Henry Binidodogha.

4) Let Amnesty office be  dealing with phase three leaders on State by State basis for the Coordinator to know the problem affecting the various States. We equally  appeal that Amnesty office should stop channelling any benefit through a group of people in the name of national Exco, rather let things go to each state directly.

5) sir, please find a way in the impacted community slots to accommodate those people that surrender their arms to federal government and have their certificate with them. Because of the rush and politics that was involved in the process of submitting arms, they were not captured.

It is clear that your administration have the Niger Delta people at heart and the zeal to reposition the amnesty program, and on our part too, we are ready to contribute our quotas to your administration success.

In addition , since Delta State goverment under the charismstic leadership of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who have been championing this matter, we are once again appealing that they  further reach out to Amnesty coordinator to look into our legitimate demands.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Signed:

Hon God'stime Ogidigba,

Spokesman Phase 3 Generals.

Oromoni Celebrates Gov. Okowa @ 62, Describes him as a Visionary leader

Oromoni Celebrates Gov. Okowa @ 62, Describes him as a Visionary leader

The Chairman Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as he clocks 62 years today.

Hon. Oromoni stated this in his birthday wishes released on Thursday morning in Asaba, described Gov. Okowa as a visionary leader who have the people at heart through his massive infrastructural developments across the state. He stressed that His Excellency has brought sanity and stability to the state through the revolution of keep Delta State Clean initiative.

In his words, he said:

" Happy Birthday Your Excellency!

As you mark your 62nd birth anniversary today, I bring you best wishes and good tidings from all of us in Delta Taskforce on Environment, Deltans and Nigerian people who are appreciative of all that you do to advance the aesthetics of our Delta State and restore the Sanity and dignity of our land.

In a time such as this, there is no voice so firm and clarion to make a case of the common man at the grassroots as yours. There is no vision so clear and focused to develop, advance and sustain the daily endeavours of every Delta resident as your STRONGER DELTA agenda continues.

As our leader and torchbearer, you have never reneged in your willingness and ability to reciprocate the loyalty and allegiance that you enjoy from your followers. At the slightest opportunity availed to do so, you always protect and stand by your supporters through thick and thin. Little wonder you enjoy unalloyed and immaculate loyalty to the extent that most of your supporters are prepared to take the battlefield on your behalf.

The above have not come without a price. You have laid so much on the line with your agendas to fight and protect our present and future amidst internal and external pressure and distractions. But as it pleases the Almighty God, you have been and will keep surmounting them all.

Your fight against Coronavirus which is presently ravaging the existence of mankind cannot be over emphasized.

You are A Governor that every state will wish to have...From All of us, we say Happy birthday, the statement adds."

Signed:

Hon.:Sylvester Oromoni, Chairman, Taskforce On Environment, Delta State.

Pullah Congratulates Gov. Okowa as he clocks 62, Describes him as Detribalized Leader

Pullah Congratulates Gov. Okowa as he clocks 62, Describes him as Detribalized Leader

The member representing the good people of Burutu South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Pullah Ebipade Ekpotuayerin has join other well wishers to congratulate and celebrate with the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as he clocks 62 years today.

Hon. Pullah in his birthday congratulatory message described Gov. Okowa as detribalized leader who had greatly transformed Delta State in infrastructural development wise as well as human capital development. He further noted that His Excellency is a blessing to Deltans and pray God to increase him in all ramifications to finish strong in the second quarter of his administration.

According to him, said:

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HIS EXCELLENCY!

I celebrate with our dear governor, Senator (Dr) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and his family for the glorious new year the Lord has led him into. No doubt, this new year and the ones to come shall be blessings to Delta State.

I testify that we are blessed with a detribalized leader in Senator (Dr) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa who sees the whole state as single constituency, who sees all Deltans as one family. He is a leader who is always interested in both infrastructural and human capital development.

I congratulate him and pray God to increase him on all good sides, the statement adds."

Hon. Pullah Ekpotuayerin Ebipade,

Burutu State Constituency ll.

Chief. Igbegbe gave out younger sister Helen, to Ekpenimi hand in marriage at Ogbe-ljoh

Chief. Igbegbe gave out younger sister Helen, to Ekpenimi hand in marriage at Ogbe-ljoh

Francis Tayor

Warri______  A renowned Niger Delta ljaw freedom fighter cum philantropist and the Ebogha 1 of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom, Alaowei Friday Igbegbe, over the weekend gave his adorable younger sister Helen lgbegbe to Chief. Jacob Ekpenimi hand in marriage.

The colourful traditional marriage ceremony took place on Sunday 4th July, 2021 at the headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Ogbe-ljoh Town, Delta State.

The groom, Chief. Jacob Ekpenimi, who hailed from Ogbe-ljoh and Okerenkoko in Warri South-West LGA finished all the traditional marriage requirements in presence of the elders, youths, women of the lgbegbe family of Aretonghan quarters and that of Ekpenimi, Aribogha families of Ogbe-ljoh and Okerenkoko Community according to the Ogbe-ljoh tradition.

It was a celebration of joy as friends, family members, business associates and well wishers of both families turn up to rejoice with their children. The expression of joy in the faces of the latest couple knows no bound as Chief. Jonny Aribogha, Chief. Richard Oweisana, Chief. Friday Igbegbe as well as Hon. Friday Denghan among other dignitaries stormed the arena in a grand style to appreciate the couple in naira, dollars and kinds to the admiration of other guests present. 

Speaking briefly to our reporter during the ceremony, Alaowei Friday Igbegbe said he was overwhelmed to see this day come to pass. It was a dream comes through in the life of my dear sister and her hubby. " My wishes for both of them is to show unconditional love to one another, tolerate each other, forgive and understanding. They should always seek the face of God to settle their differences between themselves without involving third party. They should go and multiply the world according to the word of God written in the Bible, Alaowei Igbegbe stated".

Meanwhile, Some notable personalities present at the occasion include; High Chief. Johnny Aribogha, High Chief. Richard Oweisana, the Bulowei of Ogbolobiri Mien Kingdom, High Chief. Friday Igbegbe, Hon. Friday Deinghan, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, (CEO Niger Delta Mirror Ndm),Joshua Orou, Comrade Ebi Joe, Senator Marvis Ogisi, Cmr.Smart Okosu, immediate past Ogbe-ljoh Clan Chairman lYC, Mr. Jerry Igbegbe, Harrison Owolo, Hon. Friday Waighan, Sir. Jude Omgbu, Kent Igbegbe, Chief. Kakanpere , MC Bakumor, Alaowei Opuro, Madam Doris Iseregbe (National Chairlady Better Life Fish Traders Union Warri ), Madam Queen, Elder Francis Boukan, Committee of Friends Ogbe-Ijoh Market among others. However, the crew of DexterityTv was live on ground to cover the colourful marriage ceremony.

Amnesty: Phase 3 Generals Accuse Dikkio on attempt to shortchange Real Beneficiaries

Amnesty: Phase 3 Generals Accuse Dikkio on attempt to shortchange Real Beneficiaries

.......Call on Delta State SSA on Security, Daniel Ezekiel to intervene

........ Insist fake beneficiaries inducted into amnesty corporatives

Timi Black

Angry leaders and stakeholders of the 3rd phase amnesty programme have cried out over what they described as an attempt to short-changed some supposed legitimate beneficiaries into the amnesty corporative programme by the interim administrator, Colonel Dikio Miland.

This is was contained in a press statement signed by Hon. Ogidigba Godstime, (Edo state), Gen. Clement Ofovwei (Delta state), Gen. Kenneth Kpea (Rivers state), Gen. Whiteman Ijiel (Bayelsa state)

Gen. Godwin Governor,

(Ondo State) on Thursday.

The 3rd phase leaders alleged that over 50% of the people in 3rd phase incorporated into the amnesty corporate society by the interim administrator were not genuine leaders, delegates or beneficiaries of the amnesty Programme.

The protesting stakeholders stated that a proper verification exercise be carried out before constituting the corporative societies to capture the genuine leaders of the 3rd Phase.

The 3rd phase leaders also called on Hon. Ezekiel Daniel, senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on security matters to come to their rescue by prevailing on the interim coordinator of the Amnesty programme not to fall prey to some cabals in the amnesty office.

According to them, the genuine leaders of the 3rd phase be captured into the corporative programme, instead of fake persons being incorporated into the amnesty corporative programme in as much they were not against the idea of Dikio inducting Ex-Agitators into Corporate Societies.

They accused politicians of hijacking contracts that supposed to be awarded to real beneficiaries of the amnesty programme, adding that corporatives submitted to the amnesty office do not represent the interest of the genuine leaders of the amnesty programme from the various states but were made to serve the myopic interest of some stakeholders and corrupt Bayelsa and Delta States politicians.

The protesting leaders also accused Tonye led Exco of some 3rd phase amnesty delegates of embezzling #900, 000.00 of the transport stipend that was given by the amnesty coordinator at the aborted stakeholders meeting.

However, below is the Press Statement attached:

PRESS RELEASE

That President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria approved the verification of Thirty Thousand (30,000) delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) that if there is no hidden agenda by the Amnesty Office as regards the verification exercise Col. Minlland Dikio should immediately carry out the verification exercise as approved by Mr. President which we strongly believe will address all the rot and corruption in the Amnesty Program, scoping the verification exercise sent danger and very bad signal to us the genuine Leaders of the Amnesty Program.

We make bold to say that 50% of the people in 3rd phase Minlland Dikio constitutes into Corporative Societies are not genuine Leaders, Delegates or Beneficiaries of the Amnesty Program, therefore carry out the verification exercise before constituting the Corporative Societies will capture the genuine leaders of Phase 3.

The verification should be based on State Level because all the leaders have their disarmament Certificate with them and their details are in the data at their various states which are with the various Security Agencies who disarm them, which will helps to filter away these fake Amnesty Leaders who were brought in to the Program through the back door by corrupt Politicians and Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region.

That we are not against the ideas of Minlland Dikio involving Ex-Agitators into Corporate Societies, but only genuine leaders should be captured into the Program so as to avoid what happened during his predecessors administration, Prof. Charles Dokubo, who came up with Empowerment Program for the Ex-Agitator Leaders. At the end, it was hijacked by Politicians, Stakeholders and Abuja based Ijaw Youths whom were not Delegates neither Beneficiaries of the Amnesty Program were the ones gaining award letters for training Delegates and Supply of Accessories to the Amnesty Office and later, we the genuine Leaders of Phase 1-3 were just compensated with money in the name of the office monetized the contracts and paid the leaders some amount of money without issuing award letters to any of the Leaders from Phase 1-3.

That those Corporative submitted to the Amnesty office so far does not represent the interest of the genuine leaders of the Amnesty Program from the various States but rather, it represents Bayelsa State and some corrupt Politicians and Stakeholders from the Niger Delta Region.

There is no doubt that the administrative style of Miland Dikio has helped in sustaining the fragile peace we enjoy in the Niger Delta region and also his desire to change the negative narrative of the region into a better place where business can strive and investors to have confidence to invest their money in the Niger Delta region but he has to trend with caution.

That the Amnesty Program was not named after a particular state in the Niger Delta region as it has become unbearable for the other states, the ways and manners Bayelsa is seeing the Amnesty Program as their personal property and the other states have no say. On that note, we urge Miland Dikio to separately distribute whatever the Amnesty Office have for leaders or impacted communities to the various states that are captured in the Program.

That the One million, Five Hundred Thousand naira (N1,500,000) that was realized for Phase 3 leaders headed by Tonye Bobo by the Amnesty Office for transportation for the fifteenth person from five states that was to hold a meeting with Miland Dikio to address the issues affecting phase 3 Amnesty program though the meeting was cancelled for another date. As we speak, the money was confiscated by Tonye Bobo and his Exco thereby giving Delta State Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000), Ondo State, Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000), Edo State, Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000), Rivers State, Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000), the rest Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N950,000) was embezzled by Tonye Bobo and his Exco. For the sake of transparency and accountability, we urge the Amnesty Office, Department of State Security Service (DSS) and other Security Agencies, to invite Mr. Tonye Bobo and his Excoto give account on how the One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,500,000) was distributed.

Finally, we thank the DSS and other Security Agencies for their prompt intervention in managing the Ticking Time Bomb that is about to explode in the Niger Delta Region.

We are equally using this medium to call on Honourable Ezekiel Daniel, senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on security matters to come to our rescue by calling the attention of interim coordinator of Amnesty program to the evil game of a cabal in that office.

Sign:

Hon. Ogidigba Godstime

Edo state.

Gen. Clement Ofovwei

Delta State.

Gen. Kenneth Kpea

Rivers state.

Gen. Whiteman Ijiel

Bayelsa State.

Gen. Godwin Governor

Ondo State.

Finally, Senate passes Petroleum Industry Bill, approves 3% for host communities

Finally, Senate passes Petroleum Industry Bill, approves 3% for host communities

.....The Demon behind non-passage of the Bill finally defeated – Says Lawan 

The Senate recorded a historic feat on Thursday with the passage of the complete version of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which defied passage in previous assemblies over the last twenty years. 

The bill was passed after a clause-by-clause consideration of a report by the Joint Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector; Petroleum Resources (Upstream); and Gas on the PIB.

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Sabo Muhammed Nakudu, delivered a presentation on the Committee’s report moments before the upper chamber held a closed session to receive briefing by the Petroleum Minister, Timipre Sylva, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

The closed session which started at 11:10am ended at 12:40pm. 

In his presentation, the lawmaker said that the Petroleum Industry Bill consists of five distinct chapters which include Governance and Institutions; Administration; Host Communities Development; Petroleum Industry Fiscal Framework; and Miscellaneous Provisions comprising 319 clauses and 8 schedules. 

According to him, the bill’s passage and eventual assent into law would strengthen accountability and transparency of NNPC limited as a full-fledged company under statutory/regulatory oversight with better returns to its shareholders – the Nigerian people. 

He added that the Joint Committee’s recommendation on Frontier Basins recognized the need for Nigeria to explore and develop the country’s frontier basins to take advantage of the foreseeable threats to the funding of fossil fuel projects across the world due to speedy shift to alternative energy sources. 

During a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, the upper chamber approved the funding mechanism of thirty percent of NNPC limited’s oil and gas profit in the production sharing, profit sharing, and risk service contracts to fund exploration of frontier basins.

It also approved Clause 4 of the bill which seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission to provide technical regulatory functions that would enforce, administer and implement laws, regulations and policies relating to upstream petroleum operations.

The Commission would, among others, ensure compliance with applicable national and international petroleum industry policies, standards and practices for upstream petroleum operations; and establish, monitor, regulate and enforce health, safety and environmental measures and standards relating to upstream petroleum operations. 

In addition, the upper chamber while adopting the Committee’s recommendation to retain provisions in Clause 29 of the bill, approved the establishment of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Clause 29(3) empowers the Authority to be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of midstream and downstream petroleum operations in the petroleum industry in Nigeria.

Its function include implementing Government policies for midstream and downstream petroleum operations as directed by the Minister; and to promote, establish and develop a positive environment for international and domestic investment in midstream and downstream petroleum operations. 

Others are to ensure strict environmental

implementation of policies, laws and regulations for midstream and downstream petroleum operations; and to develop and enforce a framework on tariff and pricing for natural gas and petroleum products. 

The recommendation of the Joint Committee was amended in Clause 52(7d) to ensure that all monies received from gas flaring be channeled for the purpose of environmental remediation and relief of the host communities as against the development of infrastructure in midstream gas operations. 

The upper chamber, however, retained the recommendation of the Joint Committee in Clause 53 which empowers the Minister of Petroleum Resources to incorporate the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation as a limited liability company to be known as NNPC Limited, six months after the commencement of the Act. 

Accordingly, the adopted Clause 53 mandates the Minister of Petroleum Resources at the incorporation of NNPC Limited, to consult with the Minister of Finance to determine the number and nominal value of the shares to be allotted, which would form the initial paid-up share capital of NNPC Limited.

Consequently, the Senate approved ownership of all shares in NNPC Limited to be vested in the Government at incorporation and held by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated on behalf of the Government.

The upper chamber, however, reviewed downward the Joint Committee’s recommendation that 5 percent be paid as contribution to the host community development fund. 

Senators in the majority voted for 3 percent contribution to the host communities, following an amendment to Clause 240(2) by Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina North), which was seconded by Ibrahim Gobir (APC, Sokoto East). 

The approval of 3 percent for host communities represents an upward review of 0.5 percent from the previous 2.5 percent contribution to the host community development fund. 

Efforts by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central), Senators James Manager (PDP, Delta South), George Thompson Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East), and Albert Bassey Akpan (PDP, (PDP, Akwa-Ibom North East) to demand an upward review met a brick wall from lawmakers. 

Sekibo, in a move to sustain his agitation for an increase in contributions to host communities, relied on Order 73 of the Senate Rule and called for a division. 

The Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), however, prevailed on Sekibo to withdraw his call for division, and reminded him of the commitment of Senators of the Ninth Assembly in fostering unity while keeping in mind their obligation at all times to protect the national interest.

The Senate Leader’s plea was accompanied by a subtle  reaction from the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who reminded Sekibo of the overwhelming support demonstrated by lawmakers who had earlier approved that host communities receive remediation and relief from monies accruing from gas flaring in the PIB. 

Sekibo at this point withdrew his earlier call for division. 

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks after the eventual passage of the PIB, congratulated the Ninth Assembly and Joint Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector; Petroleum Resources (Upstream); and Gas for the “tremendous and historical achievement of passing the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill.”

According to him, the passage of the PIB was an indication that the “demon” behind its non-passage in the past had been finally defeated. 

He added, “I must commend the leadership of the House of Representatives, too, for providing leadership to ensure that our Joint Committees in the Senate and the House work together to produce the report that we have just passed.

“Let me say that the Ninth Senate and, indeed, the Ninth National Assembly has achieved one of its fundamental items on the legislative agenda.

“We promised Nigerians that we will do our best to pass the PIB that has defied passage or defied assent. At least, the demons are being defeated in this chamber.”

Lawan appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to give expeditious assent to the bill when it is eventually forwarded to him by the National Assembly. 

The Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary till next week Tuesday, the 6th of July, 2021.

Signed:

Ezrel TABIOWO, FIMC, CMC, Fsca, MBSC 

Special Assistant (Press)

to President of the Senate 

Thursday, July 1, 2021.

lYC Calls on Gov. Obaseki to Caution Obazuwa Community Over ljaw Attack Claims

lYC Calls on Gov. Obaseki to Caution Obazuwa Community Over ljaw Attack Claims

Francis Tayor

Benin____ The leadership of ljaw Youth Council (IYC), Olodiama Clan in Edo State Chapter has called on the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security agencies to as a matter of urgency caution and call to order the people of Obazuwa Utugberu Community as well as one Ugbo over accusing the peace loving ljaw people of lkoro community in Ovia North East LGA, on alleged attack in their Community.

The call was made on the 1st July, 2021 by the lYC Chairman of Olodiama Clan in Edo State Chapter, Comrade Sam Ebiwana, through a Press Statement issued in Sapele at the end of a crucial emergency meeting with all Edo State lYC Clan Chairmen, stated that Obazuwa Community claims are baseless, fictitious and lies from the pit of hell, saying they are known as trouble makers from time immemorial by all their neighboring Communities in Ovia North East.

The IYC Chairman while quoting history, noted that Obazuwa community people are all strangers from Urhobo, Agbor, Calabar and Yoruba land hired by late. Chief. Ejomo to farm for his mother, so as to provide enough food for his family. He stressed that whenever Obazuwa people cause crisis among their neighboring Community, they will cry crocodile tears by quickly writing letter to the Oba of Benin and the Edo State Government to peddles lies in order to gain public sympathy.

Meanwhile, " we the five Clan lYC Chairmen have equally briefed the Edo State Governor Obaseki on Monday this week about the development, and His Excellency has promised to quickly address the issue in the shortest possible time."

The capacity Olodiama Clan ljaw Youth Council Chairman Comrade Ebiwana, has send a stern warning to Bini Communities in Edo State to stay clear from all ljaw Communities/lands, saying they will no longer tolerate any nonsense from them henceforth. He however, called on Governor Godwin Obaseki as well as the security agencies to caution Obazuwa people, and that if they are further pushed to the wall, they have no other choice than to defend themselves with the last drop of their blood, he asserted.

However, read the full details of the Press Statement below:

CANTER OF THEIR BASELESS PUBLICATION OR PRESS STATEMENT.

RE: OBAZUWA UTUGBERU COMMUNITY SEND SOS TO GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI AND OBA OF BENIN OVER ATTACK FROM THE IJAW SETTLERS

RESPOND FROM THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) EDO STATE CHAPTER, OLODIAMA CLAN. A VERY SERIOUS WARNING.

WE JUST WANT TO PUT THE RECORDS STRAIGHT IN RESPONDING TO THE ABOVE BASELESS PUBLICATION OR PRESS STATEMENT THAT WAS MADE BY OBAZUWA COMMUNITY. I THINK WE SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR TO THIS SO CALLED OBAZUWA COMMUNITY AND THAT OF CULTIST UGBO FOR THE OUTER WORLD TO ALSO BEAR US WITNESS THAT, THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) EDO STATE CHAPTER, OLODIAMA CLAN, HEREBY CLEARLY STATED AS FOLLOWS :

WE THE GOOD AND PEACE LOVING PEOPLE OF IKORO COMMUNITY EXISTING IN IKORO, FARMING, HUNTING AND FISHING ON THOSE LANDS EVEN BEFORE THE EXISTENCE OF THIS SO CALLED OBAZUWA COMMUNITY. WE HAVE A LOT OF EVIDENCES TO BACK UP ALL THIS FACTS. NOW THESE ARE THE FACTS. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN NIGERIA WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE YEAR 1880 IN IKORO COMMUNITY WHILE IKORO PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKORO WAS FOUNDED IN THE YEAR 1917. THE PEOPLE OF OBAZUWA COMMUNITY WAS BROUGHT HERE BY LATE CHIEF EZOMO TO FARM FOR HIS MOTHER SO THAT THERE WILL BE ENOUGH FOOD IN HIS PALACE, AND THAT WAS AROUND 1946. THE EVIDENCES ARE THERE TO SHOW. EVEN MOST PEOPLE THAT ARE CLAIMING OBAZUWA COMMUNITY INDEGENES TODAY ARE FROM URHOBO, AGBOR, CALABAR AND YORUBA. LIKE THEIR ODIONWEI WHO IS FROM ADO EKITI PATERNALLY AND AGBEDE MATERNALLY.

BUT THE IJAWS OF IKORO COMMUNITY HAS BEEN ON THIS LAND SINCE EXISTENCE, EVEN OUR GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRAND FATHERS LIVE IN THIS LAND BEFORE THEIR DEATH AND THEY WERE BURIED IN THIS SAME LAND. I DARE OBAZUWA PEOPLE WHO ARE CLAIMING THE REAL SETTLERS IN OUR LAND TO SHOW US WHERE THEIR GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRAND FATHER'S GRAVE IN OBAZUWA.

WE THE IJAWS BEING PEACE LOVING PEOPLE ACOMODATING THE OBAZUWA PEOPLE ON OUR LAND BECAUSE THE LAW DID NOT PERMIT  US TO CHASE  ANYBODY AWAY IN A PARTICULAR PLACE OR LAND THAT THEY HAVE SETTLED IN FOR OVER TEN YEARS. THAT IS THE MAJOR REASON WHY THIS SO CALLED OBAZUWA PEOPLE ARE STILL SETTLING IN OUR LAND UP TO THIS MOMENT.

NOW IN REGARDS TO THE FALSE ALLIGATION LEVELED AGAINST US (IKORO YOUTHS) THAT THE YOUTHS OF IKORO COMMUNITY CAME TO ATTACK THEM IN OBAZUWA WITH GUNS, CUTLASSES AND OTHER WEAPONS. I LAUGH AT THEM BECAUSE THAT IS THEIR USUAL WAY OF LIES JUST TO GET SYMPATHY FROM THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. AT THIS JUNCTURE, I THINK I SHOULD DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE PEOPLE BACK TO THE PREVIOUS ATTACK THAT OBAZUWA PEOPLE ATTACK OUR BROTHERS FEW MONTHS AGO. I CAME ON FACEBOOK TO LET THE OUTER WORLD KNOW WHAT OBAZUWA PEOPLE DID TO SOME OF OUR IJAW YOUTHS (IKORO) ON THEIR WAY TO BENIN CITY WHERE OBAZUWA PEOPLE ATTACKED THEM WITH CUTLASSES AND OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS. THEY BRUTALLY INJURED THEM TO THE POINT OF DEATH. THE VICTIMS OF THE ATTACK SPENT SEVERAL DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL BEFORE THEY RECOVERED. MIND YOU, WE HAVE EVIDENCE ON ALL THIS, BOTH THE HOSPITAL REPORT AND THE POLICE REPORT ON THIS AND NONE OF THE IKORO YOUTHS, I REPEAT NONE OF THE IKORO YOUTHS WENT TO THEIR COMMUNITY OR ATTACK ANY OF THE OBAZUWA PEOPLE FOR A REVENGE. EVEN WHEN THE POLICE TRY TO CALL THIS CALL OBAZUWA REGARDS TO THIS CASE, THEY REFUSED TO HONOUR THE POLICE INVITATION. AND SOME TIME AGO, THIS SO CALLED OBAZUWA PEOPLE WAKE UP ONE MORNING TO BLOCK THE ONLY ACCESS ROAD THAT LEAD TO OUR COMMUNITY AND THE CITY WITHOUT NO REASON. IT WAS THE INTERVENTION OF POLICE AND DSS THAT LEAD TO THE UNBLOCK OF THE ROAD THAT PERIOD AND THERE ARE ALSO EVIDENCES TO THAT EFFECT. SO IF THIS PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT ATTACK, IT LOOK AS IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING OR DOING. MAY BE THEY DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD ATTACK, BECAUSE THIS SO CALLED OBAZUWA PEOPLE LIVE CONFORTABLE IN THEIR HOUSES, FARM ON OUR LAND WITHOUT ANY ATTACK OR ANY FORM OF OPPRESSION FROM THE IJAWS. IF WHAT AM SAYING IS FALSE, I CHALLENGE THEM TO  PROVE MY CLAIMS WRONG TO THE PUBLIC. THIS SAME OBAZUWA PEOPLE HAVE HELD SEVERAL MEETINGS NEGOTIATING AND OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO  COLLECT MILLIONS OF NAIRA'S FROM THE LAND DEVELOPERS. YET THEY COULD COME TO THE PUBLIC TO DENY AND CLAIM IGNORANCE OF SALE OF ANY LAND. I DARE OBAZUWA PEOPLE TO CHALLENGE AND PROOF ME WRONG ON THIS. LET ME ALSO SHOCK THE WORLD WITH THIS, DUE TO OBAZUWA EVIL MIND, THEY ARE NOT AT PEACE WITH ALL THEIR NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES AROUND THEM. EVIDENCE TO THIS FACT CAN ALSO BE CONFIRMED FROM EGBAN, EVOBLEKEP AND IGBOBI COMMUNITIES.

BASE ON THIS, WE THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC), EDO STATE CHAPTER, WANT TO USE THIS MEDIUM TO CALL ON ALL SECURITY APARATUS, ACROSS THE STATE, AND THE STATE GOVERNOR, MR.

GODWIN OBASEKI TO CALL THIS OBAZUWA PEOPLE TO ORDER, AND ONE CULTIST IGBO TO STOP TAGGING IJAW WITH BAD NAMES. WE ARE PEACE LOVING IJAW PEOPLE, WE DON'T TAKE WHAT DEOS NOT BELONG TO US. OUR LAND REMAIN OUR LAND, EVERYTHING ABOUT IJAW IS TRUTH BECAUSE  IJAW MEANS TRUTH. I WANT TO ALSO USE THIS MEDIUM TO PLEAD WITH THE EDO STATE GOVERNOR AND ALL SECURITY AGENCIES TO PLEASE HELP US TO TALK OR WARN ALL THE BINI COMMUNITIES TO PLS STAY CLEAR AWAY FROM EVERY IJAW COMMUNITIES OR LAND IN THE STATE. ENOUGH BECAUSE WE WILL NOT AND SHALL NOT TAKE IT LIKELY ANYMORE. THIS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PUSHING US TO THE WALL FOR LONG, WE ARE PATIENT OR CALM DEOS NOT MEAN WE DON'T KNOW OUR RIGHTS.

A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE, HE THAT HAVE EAR LET HIM/HER HEAR.

SIGNED:

COMRADE SAM EBIWANA, CHAIRMAN IJAW YOUTHS COUNCIL (IYC) EDO STATE CHAPTER, OLODIAMA CLAN.

Delta 2023: Augoye Sets to Change the Narratives

Delta 2023: Augoye Sets to Change the  Narratives

Olokpa Nelson 

Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central Senatorial District ( The Urhobos)  must defend what they stand for and the time is now.

However, in a bid to change the narratives, the good people of Delta Central must not be tired of agitating for what rightly belongs to them because  2023 is Sacrosanct.

Our people must stop the politics of self agrradazment, pull him down syndrome and should focus on the collective interest of the task ahead  as far as the gubernatorial race is concern.

Speaking comparatively, for the Delta Central to produce an  Urhobo governor under PDP come 2023,  unity, love, and steadfastness should be their watchword. 

In Delta State, the Urhobos  are  majority ethnic group by whatever criteria one determines their status. 

Similarly, the Okpe speaking clan of the Urhobo nation is the largest which compromises of two local governments; Okpe and Sapele  respectively.

In Nigeria, we share benefits, resources, appointment, etc, by a corrupt quota system, but no one can ignore excellence and no one can quarrel with success. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th positions or places can be distributed by quota or nepotism, but number one is reserved for the best.

The people of Okpe Kingdom have an obligation to be best in whatever they are involved. It is time for an Okpe man to be governor of Delta State.

Various interest groups accros the state and well meaning Deltans have unanimously endorsed the immediate past Delta Commissioner for works Chief James Augoye as the best man for the job.

 James Augoye also known as the" Agadagba of Okpe Kingdom", has also been described by many as the pride of not only Okpe Kingdom but the entire Urhobo nation. 

We therefore ureged  the good people of Delta State especially the PDP, party faithfuls, to do the needful and rally massive  support for him.

Chief James Augoye  has been tested and trusted, so we have no doubt whatsoever in our hearts that he will deliver and make Delta stronger.

INC Abuja Visit: We Are Still On Course, Says INC Spokesman Ezonebi, Calls for Support

INC Abuja Visit: We Are Still On Course, Says INC Spokesman Ezonebi, Calls for Support

My Fellow Ijaw Compatriots, home and abroad, I feel extremely obliged to briefly respond to the mixed reactions that trailed the recent INC’S visit (24/6/2021) to the President of FGN from many quarters including the leadership and representatives of our sister ethnic nationalities in and beyond the Niger-Delta region.

Many have applauded the NEC for taking our battle for resource, human and environmental justice, equity, fairness and self-actualization directly to the seat of the Nigerian government.  Others have castigated NEC and even labelled the NEC names. While many consider the motive and the content of the INC President’s, address as captivating and noble, they express displeasure over the timing, particularly at this auspicious time of our nationhood.

The NEC sincerely appreciate all shades of reactions on all sides of the divide because they demonstrate the high expectations from resulting from the huge sacrifices made by our people to resuscitate the INC and keep its ship afloat and focused after 8 years of seamlessness.

The NEC wish to take full responsibility for any error by omission or commission, action or inaction that has caused disaffection among our members.It is pertinent to emphasize that  there was no room for discussions and agreement on the issues raised by both teams (i.e. INC delegation and the Federal Government)

I wish to reassure the entire Ijaw nation that the IJAW CAUSE is still ON COURSE. 

To say the least, those who ingeniously intended to hijack the entire visitation process and turn it into a solidarity visit for purposes of derailing the IJAW CAUSE were disappointed. Rather than compromise our collective position on the Ijaw agenda, we in the midst of the circumstances we found ourselves were able to courageously speak truth to power. A feat well acknowledged by many Ijaw elders and traditional rulers. We have also received encomium from some ethnic organizations for speaking for the entire Niger-Delta and other minorities who suffers same deplorable fate as we do.

The gains and lessons learnt from this experience and exposure has made the necessity for an early convocation of the All Ijaw Summit more compelling and imperative. We want to reassure our fellow Ijaw compatriots that with the current efforts put in place, the summit would hold in the shortest possible time, and the INC NEC shall religiously abide by the decision and direction as resolved by the summit. We shall be guided by the summit recommendations and stand for and by what the Ijaws desire in the immediate, short and long term bases. We are also propelled to set up the various statutory committees of congress in addition to setting up the structures of the INC at the Community, Clan, Chapters and the NRC (at both zonal and the national levels). These committees and organs of congress shall perform their stipulated functions in the INC constitution and add enormous values to our operations and effectiveness.

 A follow up committee to consolidate on a few gains attained from the visit which include hosting the officials of the British Embassy in the Ijaw House in Yenagoa has also been set up

while we thank you for your continuous support and cooperation, we solicit your fervent prayers to enable us remain strong and focused and harmonize divergent opinions from the conservatives and revolutionists, partisan and non-partisan, selfish and selfless perspectives. 

Once more, the NEC appreciate you all for all your comments, understanding, support and prayers.

Together, we are stronger.

Thanks for your audience.

Sign:

Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha,

Publicity Secretary

Ijaw National Congress.

Just-ln: Pereama Fans Zone 3 to Host King Freetown August 18, in Ayakoromo

Just-ln: Pereama Fans Zone 3 to Host King Freetown August 18, in Ayakoromo

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa_____ Lovers and fans of King Pereama Freetown genre of ljaw owigiri highlife worldwide under the auspices of Pereama Fans Club Zone 3, Delta State have decided to host the Numoupere ll of lzonebe on the 18th of August, 2021 at Ayakoromo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, after his  coronation as king in March, 2020.

This was disclosed on Tuesday 29th June, 2021 by the Chairman king Pereama Fans Club Zone 3, Mr. Moses Egbegi at the end of the meeting of the newly elected executive members of Pereama Fans Club Zone 3, at the King's private residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman King Pereama Fans Club Zone 3, Mr. Moses Egbegi said the essence of hosting the Numoupere ll of Izonebe is to create an avenue for him to familiarize with his fans across Zone 3, especially the Meintoru and Tobutoru axis.

Moses reiterated that since the King's coronation in 2020, the fans in Zone 3 has not been able to express their love for the Numoupere ll who is musically their father and mentor. He noted that King Pereama Fans Zone 3 is so large to the extent that they cannot mobilize all their members from Esyanma down to Ayakoromo, Gbekebor, Obotebe, Burutu, Odimodi, Ogulagha, Sokebolou among other villages within to Yenagoa.

" lt is based on that premises, we have decided to come today to officially notify you and seek for your approval ahead of the date we have chosen. The hosting would be like a general meeting whereby all the communities under Zone 3 will mobilize their Fans and converged to Ayakoromo for the August meeting. At the meeting, we would want you to address us on some critical issues affecting the Zone. Thank you for the audience and Godbless the King, Egbegi stated."

In his reaction, the Numoupere ll of Izonebe Owigiri highlife music, King Pereama Freetown (JP) thanked and appreciated the newly elected executive members of Zone 3 for coming up with such a progressive idea, stressing that by the special grace of God, he will honour the invitation.

King Pereama further urged his fans all over the globe to imbibed in the spirit of love, unite and promote peace at all times, saying love, unity and peace is the ultimate for growth and development in our society. He therefore. extended his warm greetings to all his fans in Zone 3, stressing that they should never relent in doing their good works, and that their reward is fast approaching, the statement adds.

However, those present at the meeting includes; Mr. Moses Egbegi (Chairman), Chief. Tekarede Kingsley (Secretary), Mrs. Enarebebebo Bomo-ere (Woman Leader), Mr. Sylvester Obi (Adviser ll), Comrade Oyinbi Onduku (Media Assistant), Elder Wilson Arerebo aka Alegbebeoku (member), Comr. Poweide Egbele (member) and Alhajitala Alhaji.

INC visits President Buhari, as Okaba demands Toru-lbe, Oil Rivers States creation for ljaw Nation

INC visits President Buhari, as Okaba demands Toru-lbe, Oil Rivers States creation for ljaw Nation

Francis Tayor

The ljaw National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba has demanded President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government to create additional states, Toru-lbe and Oil Rivers states for ljaw nation in order to guarantee peace, united one Nigeria as various ethnic groups are agitating for secession.

Prof. Okaba made the request on Thursday 24th June, 2021 during a meeting between lNC and President Buhari in Asorock Villa, Abuja.

He said the solution to the present challenges facing Nigeria is to Restructure the country and practice True Federalism, whereby each region would be allowed to control its natural resources and pay specific tax to the central government, as it was done in America and other advanced countries all over the world.

He further urged President Buhari led federal government to immediately constitute the board of NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme, completion of East-West road, approval of Modular refinery as well as allocation of marginal oil fields to the sons and daughters of ljaw nation, who are the rightful owners of the black gold called crude oil that had been sustaining the country Nigeria in the pass 45 years.

According to the address presented by Prof. Okaba before the federal government, read:

AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) PROF BENJAMIN OKABA ON BEHALF OF IJAW LEADERS AND TRADITIONAL RULERS, ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE FEDERAL REPLUBIC OF NIGERIA, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCON) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON THURSDAY, 24TH JUNE 2021.

PROTOCOL

His Excellency, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. (GCON)

His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.

The Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Mr. Boss Mustapha

Honourable Ministers present.

Distinguished Senators Present

Special  Advisers.

His Royal Majesties.

The Delegation of the Ijaw National Congress.

Other Important Dignitaries present

Gentlemen of the Press

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

" The Ijaw Nation wish to thank Mr. President for this rare privilege, that affords us the opportunity to rub minds with you on pressing existential concerns and challenges of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and some salient issues on the front burner of our national discourse. By this special audience you have shown positive disposition to peaceful dialogue, negotiation and constructive engagement as the best option to address the worries, concerns and yearnings of Nigerians, practically at this auspicious moment of our nationhood   

The Ijaws with a population of approximately twenty seven million people are the predominant ethnic nationality in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. They are the fourth largest ethno linguistic group in the country. With regards to administrative spread, the Ijaws are found in six states, namely; Bayelsa , Delta, Rivers,  Edo, Ondo , Akwa Ibom. Aboriginal Ijaws are also found in Abia. Many are found as migrant fishermen in camps as far West as Sierra Leone and as far East as Gabon.

The contributions and sacrifices of the Ijaws in the struggle against Western domination, to pre and post-independence intellectual capital development, independence struggle and press freedom, promoting and protecting the unity and solidarity of this country during its most trying moments (e.g. Nigerian Civil War) and to democratic consolidation are well documented and need not be undermined. Since colonial times, our resources from palm oil and abundant aquatic and maritime resources, as owners of the major seaports in the country are worthy of note. Since oil was discovered, exploited and exported in commercial quantity from Nigeria’s number one oil well located at Oloibiri in Bayelsa state, the Ijaws have remained the main producers of the oil and gas that has become the main stay of the Nigeria economy and sustainable development.

The 4 major Oil and gas export terminals that is Quaboe (Ibeno) , Bonny, Forcados and Excravos are all in Ijaw territory and non is accessible by road. The local Ijaw communities where this facilities are democide lack electricity, pipe bore water, functional Hospitals and other basic amenities. The water ways are on unsafe due to the activities of sea pirates and other criminal elements in and around these facilities.        

Despite the huge sacrifices the Ijaw people have made and are still making to the birth and sustenance of this country, we have never been fairly treated by the Nigeria nation. In order to whittle our influence because of our resource endowment, successive governments in Nigeria since precolonial times have employed a deliberate policy of balkanization whereby Ijaw people are split into different states and Local Government Areas where they now parade the unfortunate appellation of perpetual minorities.   The minority status culminating from the crude balkanization in the hands of Nigeria’s political leadership has denied our people the voice and shrinked the political space in their respective states except the only homogeneous Ijaw state, Bayelsa. 

The Ijaws have been victims of uncountable spate of oil spills, uncontrolled gas flaring, indiscriminate canalization, flooding, coastal erosion, deforestation etc.  The operations of the multinational oil companies have created additional problems to the indigenous economy and socio-political institutions of our people leading the loss of arable land (and aquatic resources), health hazards, youth restiveness, intra and inter communal conflicts, etc.  The incessant attacks and destruction of our coastline communities at the slightest provocation by the military forces have created a siege mentality and resulted in displacement of lives and properties. The internally displaced persons (IDP) are hardly noticed or cared for as it is practiced elsewhere nationally and internationally.

Suffice to note that, it was the struggle to draw the attention of the insensitive administrations in the First Republic to the despicable plight of the Ijaw people, whose resources were mindlessly pillaged and environment despoiled, yet denied basic amenities, that led to the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic by late Major Isaac Adaka Boro in 1966. The Late Isaac Boro simply restated through arms struggle what the Rivers Chiefs and Peoples Conference, led by late Chief Harold Dappa Biriye feared when they agitated for, in the 1958 London Constitutional Conference, a separate region for the Ijaws from the Colonial administration. Whereas the now much referenced Henry Willinks Commission report was a product of the Conference, the Niger Delta region still remains despicable, poor, abandoned and grossly underdeveloped.

Mr. President Sir, the Ijaws are indeed tired and weary of the continued exploitation of our oil and gas resources without commensurate remediation and reward. We find it appalling that because of our revenue endowment, the State has continued to expropriate our right to legitimate ownership and control of our oil and gas resources through obnoxious statutes. In the manner that gold and other solid mineral resource discovered in Zamfara and other states are allowed to be freely exploited by the owner state, the oil and gas exploited in our territory should be allowed to be managed by our people for the development of our area.

Mr President, our plight are becoming unbearable. Our story is that of a people well blessed. It is an history of a people well blessed within their natural habitat and aboriginal locations but paradoxically we have been so dislocated politically, economically and socially. We have been intentionally deprived the space to prosper and soar as a people, we have been made refugees in our aboriginal lands while our wealth has been taken to give an asylum of opulence to the rest of Nigeria. 

From the days of Late Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, to Late Major Isaac Adaka Boro and the formation of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to the collegiate uprisings of the Ijaw Youth Council in Kaiama, the advocacy of the Ijaw Nation has been birthed within civil language and peaceful actions, all directed at finding a befitting political space for the Ijaws within the confines of a functional Nigerian state. These past actions and sacrifices of our great men and women has led notably to the Willinks Commission, the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Niger Delta Ministry and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as ad-hoc interventions mutually understandable, were only devised as a window of opportunity and an architectural groundwork for peace and to serve as the springboard on which the critical issues affecting the Ijaws would be tackled and progress made manifest.

The Ijaw agenda of self-actualization is predicated on Resource Justice. Our quest and resolve is for a just and justifiable reward for our resources and sacrifices. We believe very strongly that this is achievable and shall be of mutual benefit to the state, the Ijaw people and the generality of Nigerians. Restructuring might just be the magic wand that could turn things around for a more prosperous, united and stable Nigeria. We are only seeking the re-enactment of the once viable and accepted old order of derivation that would allow us own, manage and control our God given resource (that we directly bear the multiple brunt of exploitation), as it was practiced in this country when the Yorubas had cocoa, the Ibos had palm oil, and Housa Fuani produce and   paid prescribed taxes to government.

We support the cleaning up of the Augean stable in the NDDC but not through managerial procedures that are susceptible to individual manipulation, alien to the NDDC Act itself and  negates organizational best practices. There is no known precedence in Nigeria or elsewhere where Sole Administration is employed while carrying out an organizational audit. This is a gross abuse of the process of transparency and public accountability. A substantive board should be inaugurated forthwith and can seamlessly function with the audit exercise.

Mr. President, as great patriots of this country, we seek the urgent repositioning of the above mentioned interventionist agencies to deliver on their mandate by urging you to recalibrate and fast-tract/implement the Niger Delta Recovery Plan intended to serve as a basket of incentives and opportunities to effectively address the grievances of marginalization, neglect and environmental degradation in Ijaw land. We strongly believe that if the state sincerely supports the Amnesty Programme with adequate funds and proper supervision and direct the Ministry of Petroleum to redistribute oil and gas assets with guarantee for host community participation in the oil business, including indigenous ownership of marginal oil fields and the deliberate engagement of the locals in the oil industry, substantive progress in dealing with the Ijaw quest for expansion of their socio-economic  well-being would be attained.

To this end, it is imperative that the FGN compels all Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria to contribute 3% of their annual budget to funding the NDDC as prescribed in laws of the land.  In the same vain, if the Ministry of Environment is directed by the Presidency to conduct immediate remediation of the massively despoiled Ijaw terrain and ensure strict compliance to international best practices in the operations of the IOCs, the issues of flagrant abuse of human and environmental rights of the people would have been addressed.

An All-Ijaw summit is planned to hold soon to evaluate our unsavory treatments and crude exploitations over the years, the resolve to continue the stranglehold on the Ijaw people through more obnoxious laws (the water resources bill), and the continuous sacrifice as burden bearers, and to what extent the Nigerian nation has appreciated our sacrifices. 

Due to The level of frustration and disillusionment that has become  wide - spread in our land as a result of mass poverty , neglect and underdevelopment, the consciousness of Ijaw nationalism has been reawakened and the cries for self-actualization reignited . As we speak, the Ijaws have no secessionist agenda and should the need arise, we are prepared to legally and peacefully negotiate that, but also as a distinct IJAW PEOPLE with ethno-linguistic, cultural affinity and geographic contiguity and not in part or full of any secessionist agenda. From Ibono, Oron through Bonny, Abua-Odual via the entire Bayelsa to Gele-Gele, Olodiama to Patani, Ogbe -Ijaw to Apoi, we are one indivisible Ijaw nation. Never conquered and by the special grace of God will remain unconquered. 

We have strong faith in the overall and mutual benefits of True Federalism and Resource control to the prosperity and stability of Nigeria. We seek the support of Mr. President in the restoration of Ijaw territory as a non-balkanized political and administrative federating unit(s) with the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states: OIL RIVERS STATE and TORU-EBE STATE. The repeal of all obnoxious and discriminatory human and environmental (land and petroleum resources) policies and laws shall remain minimum prerequisite for our continuous commitment to the Nigerian project.

Mr. President Sir, in the same manner that you directed the relocation of the Head Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources from Lagos to Abuja we seek your help to mandate the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to direct the relocation of the Head Quarters of all Oil companies to their operational basis in Ijaw Land and the Niger Delta region. The excuse of insecurity is no longer tenable for its common knowledge that nowhere in Nigeria is safer than the other. Secondly, the revamping of the major ports at Onne, Warri, Port Hracourt, Bonny etc will accelerate  economic growth and reduce joblessness and youth criminality and contribute to National Unity and Stability

We also call on the FGN to fulfill its promise to the Ijaws to assist in their ownership and modular refineries as replacement for the ancillary refineries that will not only crate wealth and job but also bring about economic emancipation of the people.

The East West Road project, that serves as the only link across the Niger Delta and conveys petroleum products from its main sources to other parts of the country have been ongoing for 15 years Mr. President Sir, we ask you to devote special funds and attention, like you did and still doing for the railways, second Niger Delta bridge, the Lagos Ibadan Express way all funded from Oil and Gas resources  derived from our environment.                

Mr. President while appreciating you for this audience and your notable interventions we will appreciate if you keep open these lines of strategic engagement that will foster a greater and better Nigeria and Ijaw nation.

Thanks once more and God bless you, the statement added. " 

Long live The Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live Ijaw Nation

Signed

Prof. Benjamin Okaba

On Behalf of the Ijaw National Congress