Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Just-ln: Papa Ken Charges Ijaws in Udu to Take Precaution Over Nationwide Protest

Just-ln: Papa Ken Charges Ijaws in Udu to Take Precaution Over Nationwide Protest

Chairman of the ljaw Community residents in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Kennedy Bomiegha aye, popularlly known as Pappa ken has advised his ljaw brothers and sisters to be conscious of the forthcoming Nationwide *Hunger/EndBadGovernment* protest slated on the 1st-10th August, 2024 across the country by Nigerian youths.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Udu, the ljaw Community chairman noted that the piece of advice became necessary due to fear of the unknown as well as to prevent repeat of what happened during the *ENDSARS* protest in the year 2020.
Papa Ken further regretted the untold hardship bedeviling the nation as result of the removal of Fuel subsidy by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration without putting in place any alternative measures to cushion the negative effects of the policy on Nigerians.

He however, called on the federal government to do something urgently in order to address the increasing hunger in the country, while urging his ljaw brothers and sisters to conduct themselves well during the Nationwide protest starting tomorrow 1st August, the statement added.

Breaking News: Warri Urban Ijaw Community's Passes Stern Warning to Protesters to Steer Clear from her Territory

Breaking News: Warri Urban Ijaw Community's Passes Stern Warning to Protesters to Steer Clear from her Territory 

Warri______ Following the planned Nationwide protest allegedly been sponsored by some failed political actors of the opposition parties against the current administration led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to disrupt the government, the Warri Urban Ijaw Communities Chairmen Forum in Delta State, has issued a stern warning to the potential protesters to keep far from their territories in warri, stressing that the ljaws are peace loving people and does not want anything to destabilize the existing peace in their territory.

In a statement issued after emergency meeting held in warri on Tuesday by the nine ljaw autonomous communities signed on behalf of the communities by the Chairman of the Chairmen forum, Mr. Collins Kemefa and the Spokesman of the forum, Mr. Adams Fullpower have voiced their stiff opposition to the planned August 1st protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing concerns about the ulterior motives behind the said protest.
Speaking further, the forum highlighted that there were no similar protests during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting that the current organizers might have sinister intentions.

They however, appealed to Nigerian youths and the general public to exercise little patience with President Tinubu so as to enable him address the nation’s challenges drastically one after the other. They emphasized that meaningful change often involves difficulties and noted that the removal of fuel subsidy is a tough decision but necessary step taken by Mr President to fix the Nation's dwindling economy in the shortest possible time.
 
According to the Warri urban ljaw communities, said:

"As people from the Warri Urban Ijaw communities in Delta State, we have faith in Mr. President due to the capable individuals around him, especially High Chief Dennis Otuaro, Ph.D, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the current managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Niger Delta affairs as well as the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited would put in their best to support President Bola Tinubu to gradually address the contending issues facing the country." 

"We strongly believe in the leadership and the steps being taken by Mr President to improve the situation in the country. Therefore, we as a good citizen of the country is to pray and support the government to serve us better and not to be used by selfish politicians against the current administration."
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Warri urban communities has urged Nigerian youths to remain calm, avoid any action that could lead the country to further unrest, especially the Niger Delta oil rich region. 

They called on Nigerians to support the government's efforts to bring about positive change, while capitalizing on the importance of unity and patience during this period of transition, the statement added.

Signed:

(1) ADAMS FULLPOWER, CHAIRMAN BOLOUAMA (N.P.A) COMMUNITY 08065063360             

(2) COLLINS KEMEFA, CHAIRMAN EGBEMENE  COMMUNITY 

(3) EMOMOTIMI JULIUS, OGBOKONE COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN 

(4) ALEX ABAMENE,
LOITIEBIRI  COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN 
      
(5) SELE  SEIGHA,
KEMEKEDOUMENE COMMUNITY  CHAIRMAN 

(6) EGIRIGI FAMOUS,
IYAMOESI COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN

(7) KELVIN YOUDOWEI,
OLABRAKONPRE COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN 

(8) VICTOR  OMOJO,
AMABOLOU COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN

(9) MEINBUTUS GENERALS.

The Unquantifiable Powers of Submarine Machines for a Nation's Protection Against External Enemies

The Unquantifiable Powers of Submarine Machines for a Nation's Protection Against External Enemies 

Submarines are among the most fascinating and powerful machines in the world. They can dive deep into the oceans and perform various tasks, such as spying, attacking, exploring, or rescuing. However, they are also known for being very slow compared to other vehicles. The average speed of a submarine is around 5 to 10 knots, which is equivalent to 6 to 12 miles per hour. This is much slower than the speed of a car, which can travel at around 60 miles per hour. Why are submarines so slow?

There are several reasons for this.
One reason is that submarines are designed to be stealthy and avoid detection, which requires them to move slowly to minimize the noise they make. Submarines use propellers or jet propulsion to move through the water, but these also create sound waves that can be picked up by sonar or hydrophones. The faster the submarine moves, the louder it becomes, and the easier it is for enemies to locate and track it. Therefore, submarines have to balance their speed and their stealth, and often choose to sacrifice the former for the latter.

Another reason is that submarines are bulky and heavy, and not designed for speed, but rather for endurance and carrying large payloads. Submarines have to carry a lot of equipment and weapons, such as torpedoes, missiles, mines, sensors, batteries, fuel, and crew. They also have to withstand the high pressure and low temperature of the deep sea. All these factors add weight and drag to the submarine, making it harder to accelerate and maneuver. 
Submarines are also limited by their power source, which can be diesel-electric or nuclear. Diesel-electric submarines have to surface periodically to recharge their batteries using air-breathing engines, which reduces their speed and stealth Nuclear submarines can stay submerged for longer periods of time, but they also generate more heat and noise.
Despite their slow speed, submarines are still an important part of modern warfare and science.

They can carry out missions that other vehicles cannot do, such as attacking enemy ships or submarines, launching strategic nuclear strikes, protecting friendly ships or aircraft carriers, conducting covert operations behind enemy lines, exploring and mapping the ocean floor, collecting data and samples of marine life, water, rocks, and minerals for scientific analysis, recovering lost items from sunken ships or planes, or offering underwater sightseeing tours or rides to visitors. Submarines have changed the course of history and enriched our knowledge and culture.

IPDI Urges Ex-agitators, CSOs, Youth Groups to Take Caution over Nationwide Protest

IPDI Urges Ex-agitators, CSOs, Youth Groups to Take Caution over Nationwide Protest 

The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on Niger Delta ex-agitators, civil society organizations (CSOs), and youths to withdraw from the planned nationwide protest. The organization cited concerns that common enemies are planning to hijack the protest, to cause fresh hostility to blackmails leaders of the region.

The move was uncovered following the campaign of calumny against the region by the common enemies who are interested in the pipeline surveillance jobs, citing that the region is seriously engulfed by Oil theft and high level of pipeline vandalism. 

The statement which was signed by its National president, Comrade Ozobo Austin and Comrade Peter Luke, secretary stressed, "some common enemies want to use the protest as a medium to fulfil their evil plans to put the region in a conflict and more hardship. We must reject it and should not allow strangers and dubious people to turn our region into a battlefield", IPDI stated.

The group noted that the country is deeply undergoing a serious hunger, hardship and starvation but emphasised that the genuine intention of the national protest has been misplaced with ulterior motives by common enemies in Niger Delta, sponsoring certain groups to use the medium to cause fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta.

IPDI expressed worry that the protest could be exploited by external forces, resulting in violence and instability in the region. They emphasised the need for caution and restraint, urging stakeholders, youths , ex-agitators and civil rights groups to prioritise peace and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the organisation's statement comes as various groups prepare for the nationwide protest, scheduled for August 1-10. IPDI's appeal seeks to prevent potential chaos, and to protect the interests of the Niger Delta people.

IPDI's latest move was hopes to avoid any actions that might be detrimental to the region and its residents. They advocate for alternative channels of engagement, such as constructive dialogue, to address grievances and promote development in the Niger Delta.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Divert Public Funds and Go to Permanent Jail, President Tinubu Warns Local Government Chairmen.

Divert Public Funds and Go to Permanent Jail, President Tinubu Warns Local Government Chairmen.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has warned local government council chairmen & councillors against diverting funds meant for their jurisdictions. 

Speaking at an event in Abuja on July 25th, Fagbemi warned that anyone found wanting will be jailed. Recall that the Supreme Court on Thursday morning, July 11, granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments across the country.

Fagbemi, who observed that local government chairmen may want to divert the funds amid state pressure, said: “Well, we have a situation on our hands, I know that it is still there; the conduct of elections is to be undertaken by the states.
But the distinction is this: don’t forget, the governors have immunity, the local government council chairmen or councillors, they have no immunity, so they have to choose between dealing with the funds of the local government as they like and risking going to jail.

Amnesty Boss, Dr. Dennis Otuaro Appeals to N'Delta Ex-agitators Not to Partake in Any Protest

Amnesty Boss, Dr. Dennis Otuaro Appeals to N'Delta Ex-agitators Not to Partake in Any Protest

..... Says Nigeria does not need a Nationwide protest now 


Peaceful demonstrations to convey felt needs are rights enshrined in our nation's constitution, which also highlights ways and means by which such rights and dissents are disposed. 

But are protests and demonstrations necessary at the time our national ecosystem is recovering from a grievous pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the great depression? I profoundly, with all sense of responsibility, do not think so. 

In the apparently challenging circumstances this nation finds itself as it tackles headlong the triggers left unattended to in its 25 years of democratic practices, you would agree with me, that it is only germane that the present structural reforms put in place by the federal government, together with its many cushioning interventions are just the only way to get this nation out of the wood. 
When the mandate to govern this nation was given to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you could recall he took it as a honor of a lifetime to serve in that capacity and immediately  went to work to rebuild this county. We have as a result seen historic progress made in the area of clearing $16b about (18%) from the nations external debt, added $4b to the nations external reserves, cleared all forests backlogs owed to foreign airline operators, started the path to full local government autonomy to bring decision making closer to the people, the most essential victory of which was got at the Supreme Court, students loan to federal and state universities, and reliefs emergencies in liquidity and palliatives sent through the subnational governments in line with the federation principles. 

Closing these yawning gaps together with the emergencies declared on oil and gas sectors where this government continues to bear the cost of variations in the unsteady fluctuations in the price of crude and its refined components, are critical to address balance of trade deficits, low manufacturing and production, producing to meet domestic demands, and decentralised aggregation and production network of small medium enterprises, which could mean the nation would earn forex and tax to pay back FG loans to meet capital and recurrent expenditures.

Given these strides and the almost visible signs of turning from the headwinds, I consider that the present attempt by the conveners of the August 1st protest to want to go ahead with their planned protest  would be premature, counter productive, distractive and disuasive 

Let's not lose sight of the fact that there are persons who when they look at Nigeria in its present path to economic recovery, what  they see is carnage, despair and darkness. They spread fears and lies for profit and power. They daily pray that this government fail to justify their misplaced idiosyncrasies and the concomitant effect is the avoidable gaps where they take advantage of the short term difficulties to create artificial scarcity, price gouging, food and double digit inflation. They only seek to use our people  to fund their plot having failed in previous successive attempt to destabilise the federal government. 

There is the hope however  that governmental interventions would slice through the double digit and food inflation and provide more abundant life for the teeming number of our citizenry. 

Be that as it may, We can't soon forget how previous unhealthy demonstrations were hijacked and used to perpetrate unrest, properties worth billions of naira were destroyed, prison breaks became normative and very dangerous criminals were let back into society who soon became rapists, car jackers, kidnappers and killers. They foist back on society the very issues the present protest hope to achieve. 

It is in this regard that I use this medium, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to appeal to all ex-agitators not to be part of any protests, and not to allow themselves to be used to settle political scores or be used to unleash destruction of government infrastructure.

In closing, I remember  the words of the third century Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus who said, "The mills of God grinds slow, but they grind exceedingly sure." 

Taken from this, Let me say no radical surgery to remove a malignant tumor is pleasant ab initio, but once it is removed, it automatically impacts the quality of life of the index case. 

This should provide a renewed source of hope for us as we look forward to a greater, bigger, and better Nigeria

Dr Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme writes from Abuja

Saturday, July 27, 2024

The Greed Called Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Why Dangote Must Be Axed!

The Greed Called Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Why Dangote Must Be Axed!

When I saw the Malta 🇲🇹 NNPC comment by Dangote, I suspected there was more to it. Our group decided to investigate further.

Our discovery was deeply shocking.

Firstly I will breakdown the whole Oil theft process and how Oil exporting and importing business works here in Nigeria.

NNPC grants importation licenses to a select group of oil companies, which are responsible for importing petroleum products into the country. These companies set the prices for petroleum products, and the media often refer to them as "oil marketers."

We’ve another set responsible for exporting/selling unrefined petroleum products both locally nd internationally. NNPC nd few partner companies plays a major role in this sector, along with high-ranking govt officials, military leaders, & politicians who r involved in oil theft.

To better understand this thread i will briefly explain how oil exportation and importation works in Nigeria.
Please note every point I will list you will need them as reference as we progress, very important

1. Extraction: Oil is extracted from the ground using drilling rigs.

2. Processing: The crude oil is exported(internationally) to refineries where it is processed into refined products

3. Transportation: The processed oil are transported from the refinery to storage tanks, blending facilities, and ports, typically via pipelines or ships.

4. Export: At the port, the oil is loaded onto tankers or other vessels and shipped to Nigeria and other countries

5. Sale: The oil is sold to buyers in Nigeria at a price set by the importer (oil marketer). The government subsidizes a significant portion of the oil price to make it more affordable for citizens, a practice known as fuel subsidy.

Now let’s link the list together 

Recently, Oando PLC announced the approval to acquire 100% of Nigerian Agip Oil Company. This effectively means that the Tinubu family now owns Agip Oil, which is part of Eni S.p.A., an Italian multinational oil and gas company.

Agip Oil operates 17 onshore oil blocks and produces 11 million barrels of oil and condensates annually, and it also manages the Bonny natural gas liquefaction plant. One might wonder why such a successful company would divest 100% of such a critical asset.

Observing similar situations, like the case with Dangote, suggests that this sale was not made lightly. Now, these crucial oil fields and plants in Nigeria are under the control of Tinubu through Oando PLC which is Tinubu’s family owned not even NNPC.

Stay with me please 

Continuing, with their control over substantial oil reserves in the Niger Delta and the ability to explore further through Agip Oil, their next step is refining. Instead of building a refinery in Nigeria, they opted to construct one in Malta 🇲🇹.

This move allows them to exploit the country's resources and obscure their activities.
In early 2021, Enemed Co Ltd, the leading fuel supplier in Malta, issued a tender for the leasing of storage tanks and a blending facility at the Ras Hanzir Oil Terminal in Malta.

Ras Hanzir Oil Terminal Limited won the bidding. It is owned and operated by the Tinubu family, with Wale Tinubu, who is also the chairman of Oando PLC, serving as its chairman along with other members of the Tinubu family and their associates.

The company has already established a functioning refinery in Malta, they have now acquired the storage tanks and blending facility oil terminals, which were recently exposed to the public.

Stay with me please 

After Tinubu was sworn in as president, his first major move was to announce the removal of fuel subsidy, while the government continued to pay in secret, allowing him to increase petroleum product prices. This move was designed to benefit his own monopoly.

With the recent forced acquisition of Agip Oil by Oando PLC, Tinubu as an individual has become the largest oil exporter, explorer, and marketer in the whole country, second only to NNPC.

Here’s the pattern: Tinubu, through NNPC, will sell Nigeria’s oil to himself at a low price via his company in Malta. He will also explore, extract and export oil using his newly acquired Agip Oil Company, which operates across the Niger Delta states of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

Tinubu will then buy back the refined oil from his company in Malta  through NNPC and as an oil marketer via one of his companies OVH Energy (Oando) at a higher price and export them back to Nigeria.

This scheme an extraordinary level of financial exploitation

Even after he leaves office, and  Nigeria remains without refinery which he will make sure of, his Oil Monopoly over the country will remain standing. As if that is not enough, the govt will still pay him for subsidy!

He sold Over 2 Billion Dollars worth of petroleum products to Nigeria through the Malta refinery just in 2023 alone, that’s  an example of what the future of Nigeria Oil importation will look like.

That’s why he will fight the Dangote refinery with everything he has; if it becomes operational, his multi-trillion-naira oil monopoly enterprise will collapse.

The price of petroleum products like fuel will keeping increasing, while he still pays himself subsidy. 

Considering his age, one might wonder what he needs all this money for, other than sheer greed. It's truly disheartening
The refined oil is sold to the Nigerian public at a high price, while the subsidy, although officially removed, is still being paid secretly. Essentially, Tinubu is paying himself subsidy.‼️

Share This Thread Across All Platforms As We Prepare For The Protest! 

This Is Wickedness ....

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

THE HISTORY OF AGBARHA-OTOR KINGDOM IN UGHELLI NORTH, DELTA STATE

THE HISTORY OF AGBARHA-OTOR KINGDOM IN UGHELLI NORTH, DELTA STATE 

Agbarha-Otor is one of the Urhobo kingdoms in Ughelli North LGA of Delta state. Agbara-Otor shares common traditions of origin with Ogor, Orogun and Ughelli kingdoms.

THE FOUR KINGDOMS 
The four kingdoms were founded by the four descendants of OGHWOGHA, namely OGOR, AGBARHA, UGHELLI & OROGUN the daughter of ORIARHA the only female among the four children of OGHWOGHA who was married to an UKUANI man from ASABA-ASE. OGHWOGHWA their father migrated from Benin through IJO creeks and settled at OGOVIRI with his wives, EBUERUKE the mother of OGOR, AGBARHA AND ANEHUE who gave birth to UGHELLI and ORIARHA (the mother of Orogun. Ogor the first of the children remained within the territory of OGHWOGHA, settled, while the rest moved to settle at different locations among the four children. 

COURAGEOUS AND ADVENTUROUS 
Agbarha was outstanding, courageous and adventurous, his choice of location was determined by his desire not to be far away from the ancestral home while being close enough to Orogun's mother, their only sister in order to put a protective eye on her. The adventurous character of Agbara made him to travel to far places including the Benin kingdom where he got engaged to an EBELLE PRINCESS and had his first son, Ebelle who became the first king of  Agbarha-Otor due to the royal equipped he acquired from his maternal grandfather. 

(1)Ebelle1 reigned from 1573-1610
(2)Okpame 1630-1662
(3)Ijaro 1662-1718
(4)Omohwe 1718-1726
(5)Ekokiyere 1726-1793
(6)Okonoli 1793-1863
(7)Owhe 1863-1897
(8)Ojakovo 1897-1945
(9)Awhariefe 1945-1952
(10)Ekpe period of crises 1952-1969
(11)Okorefe1971-1980
(12)Ebelle 11 1981-2012
(13)Okorefe 2012 till date.

INTERREGNUM 
There was interregnum between Ebelle 1 and Okpame, thus the present King Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe 1 is the number 13 in the order of kings of AGBARA-OTOR.  The kingdom has only one rulling house and  succession to the thrown is by primogeniture, which is from father to the eldest son. 

TOWNS AND VILLAGES 
The kingdom consists of 30 towns and villages and the headquarters is OTOWODO with a population of about 75.000 by the 2006 census. 
The political and cultural head is the king (Ovie) The king is assisted in the administration of the kingdom by the president General of Agbara improvement Union and his executive members who are supported by the ICTUS and Youth Bodies. 
DEVELOPMENT 
However, Agbara-Otor is one of the largest communities in Urhobo land both in terms of size and population. The town has several schools owned by the government and private individuals and good motorable roads. The town is a notable links between Delta South and North. Agbarha is rich in crude oil and gas which is evident in the presence of Shell Petroleum development Company (SPDC) 

RELIGION. 
Although, the predominant religion of Agbara people is Christianity but many natives still practiced paganism, this evident in the several ancestral shrines that can still be seen in the town. 

FESTIVALS 
The major festivals of the people of Agbara is known as EKENE festival which is the most celebrated festivals in the history of the town. 

INDUSTRIES AND SCHOOLS
Agbara-Otor is the home of the then SKOL lager Beer and Super Malt products of IBRU brewery and the popular Ibru Resorts Center. 
(1)Micheal and Cecilia university 
(2)Ibru College 
(3)Ogagaoghene Comprehensive  High school 
(4)Awirhe secondary school, Oghara secondary school.

#honugbo  #history

Tompolo Appeals to Nigerians to Shelve Planned Protest, Cites Progress Under Tinubu

Tompolo Appeals to Nigerians to Shelve Planned Protest, Cites Progress Under Tinubu

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has urged Nigerians to cancel the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024. He believes that President Tinubu is working hard to address the economic hardship and that the protest's timing is inimical to the nation's interest.

Tompolo, also the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, acknowledged the citizens' right to protest but emphasised that the current economic challenges did not start with the Tinubu administration. He highlighted the administration's efforts to revamp the economy and address security concerns.
Tompolo warned that security reports indicate the protest might be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives, causing more harm than good. He joined other patriotic Nigerians in appealing to the protesters to engage with the government to find lasting solutions to the country's problems.

He noted that the threat of protest has already achieved its aim, as President Tinubu had acknowledged the voice of prospective protesters. Tompolo's appeal follows similar concerns expressed by the National Security Adviser, governors, and top traditional rulers.

Friday, July 26, 2024

PAP: Gen. Abraham Expresses Confidence on Otuaro's Leadership, Urges Cyber Hypocrites to Desist

PAP: Gen. Abraham Expresses Confident on Otuaro's Leadership, Urges Hypocrites to Desist 

Warri _____ The leader of Emadaja Camp and National Secretary of the Presidential Amnesty Phase 2 Generals under the National Chairman of Gen. Salvation Ibena, Gen. Abraham Vwaghie has re-emphasized his confidence in Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro led administration capacity to deliver practically in addressing the contending issues bothering the ex-agitators of the Niger Delta.

Gen. Vwaghie who was a former Niger Delta agitator but now a minister of God and the founder/General Overseer of the Divine Bethel Bible Church, Delta State make the remark on Friday in warri during a press briefing.
Speaking during the briefing, Vwaghie described Chief. Dennis Otuaro as a selfless and proactive leader who is always responding to complaints of ex-agitators.

He commended Otuaro for quick payment of stipends, visiting the schools of amnesty beneficiaries to know how they are living as well as visiting Amnesty liaison offices across the Niger Delta in order to educate the staff on right attitude towards work by always doing the right thing without compromise.

He noted that Otuaro has promised to empower all the Amnesty beneficiaries, the foreign scholarship students, vocational training and others would go back for their programmes. He also promised to start a refresher training so as to refreshing the minds of those already trained for long in order to empower them with statar packs.
Gen Abraham further urged those attacking Otuaro on the social media to table their grievances before the Administrator to address them amicably rather than towing the part of hypocrisy and pull him down syndrome that will take them nowhere.

He finally appealed to Niger Delta stakeholders, traditional rulers, clergymen and youth groups to standby Otuaro in prayers and otherwise, adding that he will not disappoint them for the assignment given to him based on his familiarity of the Programme.

A BRIEF COMIC RELIEF AT A BURIAL CEREMONY IN AFRICA

A BRIEF COMIC RELIEF AT A BURIAL CEREMONY IN AFRICA 

Mmm 😋😋 I  attended a burial ceremony of my friend Grand mother yesterday but their tradition demands that at every burial ceremony an old man will come out and announce the next person to Die 😭😭
So this man came out and said the first person to leave the burial ground will be the next to Die..🙆🏾‍♂️🙆🏾‍♂️ Since yesterday morning till now my people we are still at the burial ceremony .😥 even an elderly man that is more than 98 years is here asking me if my parents won't be looking for me at home ? Nobody wants to Die but Dreaming to Make Heaven While on Earth.. 🙆 🤣😂

Thursday, July 25, 2024

How Niger Delta Political Leaders Enriched Themselves With The Blood of The Youths

How Niger Delta Political Leaders Enriched Themselves With The Blood of The Youths

By: Cleric.E. Alaowei

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria as the economic life wire of the Country has not known peace since the birth of Nigeria. The scramble for development due to the years of gross neglect and criminal balkanisation of the oil-rich region has resulted into socio-economic crisis between the warring and restive youths of the region and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

At the point of independent, prominent Niger Delta leaders such as Pa Harold Dapper Biriye of blessed memory agitated that the independence of Nigeria without the Niger Delta region being given any special status means that the minority ethnic groups will have no future in the Country. The colonial government considered his position and thus, set up the historic Henry Willink Commission of Inquiry in 1958 to look into the grouse of the Niger Delta people.

The Committee submitted its report with a recommendation amongst others to declare Niger Delta "A Special Area" for development. The Government of Alhaji Tafawa Balewa on when Nigeria had gotten independence, set up the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) in compliance with the recommendations of the Willink Commission in the 60s.

While the then Head of the Government, Alhaji Tafawa Belewa sourcing for how to fund the newly established Board, the military boys overthrew the Government and killed the then Niger Delta Messiah, according to Major Boro in the process.
This made the seemingly frustrated Isaac Adaka Jasper Boro to declare Niger Delta a Republic from the oppressive Nigeria in February, 1966. Though his revolution was crushed within 12 days by the federal forces, his armed campaign gave birth to Rivers State in 1967.

Even with the creation of Bendel and Rivers States which gave some level of political autonomies to the core and geographic Niger Delta region, the area was still largely underdeveloped. This made the youths of the region to become increasingly agitated on seeing the people living in squalor and abject poverty in the midst of the economic wealth that is feeding the Country.

In the early 90s, a nonviolence campaign was launched by Ogoni people led by an Environmentalist, late Kenule Saro-Wiwa. He externalised the agitation for economic autonomy for the Niger Delta region through the platform of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP). Himself and nine other Ogoni comrades were gruesomely executed by Gen. Sani Abacha (late) through some trump up charges of murder.

On the 21st of March, 1993, another deadlier group sprung up, called: *Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND)*. MOSEIND drew its inspiration from the heroic exploits of MOSOP and its martyred leader, Ken. Saro-Wiwa. Some leading members of MOSIEND were T. K. Ogoriba, Patric Aya-ebi Dimaro, Uzutu Nabodi, Marshal Kunoun, D. D. Kalasuo, Oyinfie Jonjon, Kime Engozu,

Others are: Patrick A. Ziakede, Welman Warri, Ambah Binaebi, P. K. James, Canus Robinhood, Nelson Douglas, Asari-Dokubo, Malin Angha, James Samson, Ceylon Okpokpo, Owei Bosini, Captain Goodluck, Dan Daniel, P. C. Dikpein, Pedro Igom, Harrow Zuokumor, Bolous Indiamaowei, Sgt Weri Digifa among others. Their agitation compelled Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) as the then military President to establish the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1993. However, politicians from the Niger Delta region killed the vision of OMPADEC by turning it into a looting spree.

While MOSIEND was engaging the Federal Government in violent confrontations, other groups came up such as: Environmental Rights Action (ERA) led by late Barr. Oronto Douglas, ND-NERO, Arogbo Freedom Fighters led by Hon. Kingsley KuKu, Febagha Ogbo of Okerenkoko led by Government Ekpemupolo, Meinbutus led by Lawrence Akpeti, Ebis Moni, Hendrick Okpukeme, Dibi Yinkore, Chikoko Movement led by late Barr. Oronto Douglas amongst others.

All the above groups and others gathered at Kaiama town in Bayelsa State in December, 1998 and resolved to form a unified body through the declaration of Charter of Vision, christened the "Kaiama Declaration " with demands to have control of all natural resources within Ijaw lands and same applied to other Niger Delta tribes. This gathering of the youths at Kaiama town gave birth to the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in 1998.

This declaration was greeted with peaceful protest by all the participating groups. The Federal Government of Nigeria according to Human Right Watch declared state of emergency in the Niger Delta region. In consequence of the government's declaration, warships were deployed to the region, while contingent of armed forces deployed to the Niger Delta to quell the peaceful agitations open fire on the protesting youths at Kaiama, Yenagoa, Warri and Imbiama, etc while women in those towns were serially raped and brutalised by the invading soldiers.

Over two hundred youths lost their lives according to Human Rights Watch report on the Niger Delta crisis in 1999. The tension in the region and the international concerns about the plight of the beleaguered Niger Delta people whose youths were daily wasted in congealed blood by the marauding Nigerian armed forces, forced former President Olusegun Obasanjo to establish the political Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which erroneously tagged all oil producing States as Niger Delta.

Miffed by the politicisation of the development of the original Niger Delta region, other aggressive but well sophisticated groups came up at the aftermath of the establishment of NDDC. Prominent of such bodies were: Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities (FNDIC), South South Liberation Movement (SSLM), Coalition of Militants' Action (COMA), Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), Martyrs Brigade, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Front (NDPVF), Klankes Konfraternity, Idwini Salvation Front, etc.

In a bid to douse the tension posed by these groups, OBJ set up a Security Committee on Oil Producing Areas led by Lt. Gen. Alexandra Ogomudia. The Committee presented a landmark Report to the Federal Government on the 19th of February, 2002. However, the Government consigned it to the dustbin. The followings were the recommendations of the Committee.

Increase of Revenue Allocation Formula to 50% to pacify the people and promote accelerated development;

Resolution of dichotomy between “on-shore” and “off-shore” urgently’

Construction of Lagos-Calabar Road to pass through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States;

Mass Coastal-Marine Transport System for Oil Producing Areas;

Prompt payment of compensation to local communities for Oil Spillage;

Transparency in utilization by State Governments of allocated funds;

Constant Dialogue between communities and Oil Companies with State and Local Government Area representatives as moderators;

Establishment of an integrated Oil Producing Areas Security and Safety System with a National Maritime Operating Centre linked to all Security Agencies nationwide;

Maintenance of all pipelines in accordance with international standards and statutory requirements to ensure integrity of the pipelines and prevent ruptures;

Control of environmental problems such as pollution, oil spills, gas flaring and effluent discharge;

Reduction in “militarization” of the Niger Delta;

Measures to ensure “effective representation at the Federal Level” of Oil Producing Areas;

Abrogation of such outmoded laws, such as: The Oil Pipelines Act, 1959; Oil Terminal Dues Act, 1965; Land Use Act, 1978; Associated Gas Re-injection Act, 1979; among others;
Correction of wrong naming of Oil Wells, fields and flow-stations which caused frequent conflict between Communities and Oil Companies;

Sovereign National Conference;

Resource Control; and

Making State Governments the focus for resolving all Community Crisis as each Governor is the Chief Security Officer of his State.

OBJ's rejection of the above recommendations later heighten the security situations in the region. The same with series of events gave birth to the most sophisticated militants' group named: Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND). MEND engaged the Nigerian military in a bloody oil war for four years with both sides recorded casualties in no smaller measures. Late President Yar'Adua in his magnanimity granted the militants a presidential amnesty which ultimately put an end to all armed agitations in the region.

Through MEND's struggle, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) were established with Niger Delta people appointed at all times to man the offices. The results we get instead of developing the region are massive looting of the treasuries.

The MNDA since its creation in 2008 has not completed any single projects in the region despite the billions of naira budgeted to it. NDDC has mounds of abandoned projects littered in the entire Niger Delta region, while the Amnesty Programme has lost focus of its Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation programmes.

These bodies were established with the blood of thousands of youths who laid down their lives for the economic-cum political freedom of the region. Over five hundred Ijaw communities were burnt down by the invasions of the Nigerian military. So many Niger Delta people are still living with the sorry tale of the military bombardments during the agitations, with many lost their loved ones to the Struggle.

The benefits we get from political opportunists who have been appointed into these offices from inception are pillaging of our common patrimony, while the region still lives in gross underdevelopments. What a self-inflicted pain?

By: Cleric E. Alaowei,
Writes from Eseimogbene Community.

List of Demands From Nigerian Protesters Ahead Of Nationwide Demonstration Against Bad Governance

List of Demands From Nigerian Protesters Ahead Of Nationwide Demonstration Against Bad Governance 


They have emphasized that any harm to protesters will escalate their demands to the resignation of Tinubu and his cabinet.

protest

The planned nationwide protest over bad governance and economic hardship, slated for August is gaining momentum in the nation.

The protest will occur across all states and in Abuja, the capital.

Recent increases in food and basic commodity prices have exacerbated Nigeria’s inflation and economic woes. This crisis follows the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the adjustment of foreign exchange rates.

In response, Nigerians are preparing to protest in large numbers to voice their discontent.

Protesters have outlined their demands, vowing to persist until significant changes are enacted. They have emphasized that any harm to protesters will escalate their demands to the resignation of Tinubu and his cabinet.
The protesters’ demands include:

1. Fuel Price Reduction: They want petrol prices reduced to N100 per litre.

2. Addressing Insecurity and Hunger: Closing IDP camps and resettling the campers to combat insecurity and hunger.

3. Electoral Reform: Implementing comprehensive electoral reform and investigating the N355 billion electoral budget independently.

4. Release of #EndSARS Detainees: Demanding the immediate release of all detained #EndSARS protesters.

5. Living Wage: Implementing a living wage starting at N300,000.

6. Free Education: Ensuring compulsory free education from primary to secondary school, and providing an education grant at the tertiary level.

7. Public School Mandate: Requiring children of all public office holders to attend public schools.

8. Support for Local Products: Encouraging government patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods.

9. Unicameral Legislature: Transitioning to a unicameral legislature.

10. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms: Implementing extensive judicial and constitutional reforms.

Additional demands include scrapping the 1999 Constitution, setting a minimum wage of N250,000, investing heavily in education, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, renationalizing sold enterprises, reinstating a corruption-free subsidy regime, probing corrupt leaders, restructuring Nigeria for diversity, reforming security agencies, establishing a Special Energy Fund, reconstituting INEC, investing in public works, overhauling the judiciary, and introducing diaspora voting.

Organizers have also prohibited smoking and drinking on the protest grounds.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Why Nigerian Government Must Support Aliko Dangote Group of Companies to Strive

Why Nigerian Government Must Support Aliko Dangote Group of Companies to Strive 

Aliko Dangote, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State. Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.

Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.
Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—THE MEN WHO BUILT America’s industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation. Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.

Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI.

In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to India’s economic growth and global business footprint.

There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization. In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce.
In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress… F.Ote💲

PAP: Otuaro Re-echoes President Tinubu's Readiness to Develop N'Delta, Calls for Peace and Support

PAP: Otuaro Re-echoes President Tinubu's Readiness to Develop N'Delta, Calls for Peace and Support 


Warri _______ On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the administrator of the presidential Amnesty programme, PAP met with various stakeholders in Warri, Delta State, including ex-agitators, community leaders, and youth group. The meetings, held in different locations, aimed to strengthen peace in the Niger Delta region.

Otuaro emphasised the importance of involving more stakeholders from impacted communities in the PAP to achieve sustainable peace in Niger Delta. He advocated for a collaborative approach, engaging more women, and providing refresher training to previously trained beneficiaries to qualify them into the labour market.
The stakeholders, including HRH Godday Smith, the king of the forest, the Meinbotus communities and the Ijaw Youth Council, Western zone, commended Otuaro's charismatic leadership and pledged their support. They passed a vote of confidence on him for his transformational leadership and revolutionary reforms, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard opposition.

Otuaro reiterated President Tinubu's commitment to sustainable peace and rapid development in the Niger Delta, encouraging stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal. He urged stakeholders to take advantage of PAP's ongoing scholarship opportunities and register online accordingly.

He concluded by thanking PAP beneficiaries and stakeholders for maintaining the existing peace in Niger Delta, and commended them for their continued cooperation and support for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
In response, the stakeholders pointed out that Otuaro is the right man for the PAP job, admonishing the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the antics of the enemies.

They assured him of total support and good working relationship throughout his reign as administrator of PAP.

The stakeholders thanked Otuaro for coming down to hold further meetings with stakeholders after undergoing rigorous meetings with the stakeholders in the Niger Delta region in the penultimate months in Warri, Delta State.

They expressed enthusiasm over his powerful reforms and good initiatives. They prayed for him for more opportunities, good health and more God's direction.