TheNewsGuru

Tag: Niger Delta

  • NDDC: Reps to screen Tinubu’s board nominees tomorrow

    NDDC: Reps to screen Tinubu’s board nominees tomorrow

    The House of Representatives will on Thursday, October 12, 2023, screen the presidential nominees to the Board and Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    This was sequel to a letter of request from the Presidency to the House of Representatives, which was read on the floor at plenary by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over Tuesday’s plenary.

    This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. and Chairman Committee on NDDC, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, on Tuesday and made available to journalists.

    The statement reads as follows:

    “The nominees as contained in the letter from the president are as follows:

    “Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman (Delta); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO (Bayelsa); Mr. Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers); Mr. Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom); Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo); Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa); Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (Delta); Chief Tony Okocha State (Rivers); and Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (Edo).

    “Others are Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu State (Imo); Hon. Otitio Atikase (Ondo); Chief Dimgba Eruba (Abia); Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke (Cross River); Hon. Nick Wende (North Central); Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak (North East); and Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (North West)”.

    “It would be recalled that the Senate screened and cleared the nominees on October 4, 2023. This move by the House complements the legislative action by the Senate, and is pursuant of Sections 2 (2) (a) of the NDDC Act (2000), which prescribes that the presidential nominees must be screened and approved by the Senate in consultation with the House of Representatives.

    “The House is thus working in concert with the Senate to fulfill the provisions of the extant law”.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls the House on Tuesday at plenary set up an ad-hoc committee to conduct the screening of the nominees, constituted of the following:

    Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (House Leader), Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims (Deputy Leader), Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Hon. Ali Isa (Deputy Minority Leader), Hon Usman Bello Kumo (Chief Whip), Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga (Deputy Chief Whip), Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (Chairperson, House Committee on NDDC) and Hon. Jafaru Leko (Deputy Chairman, House Committee on NDDC).

  • Senate moves to probe crude oil thefts in Niger Delta

    Senate moves to probe crude oil thefts in Niger Delta

    The Senate has mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources, (Upstream, downstream,) Gas, Host communities and Niger Delta to conduct investigation on oil theft in the region.

    It specifically mandated the committees to investigate the actions of security forces, militia groups, local populace,all company employees, and any individuals or entities suspected to be using sophisticated methods to pilfer from oil facilities within the country.

    The resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion at plenary on Tuesday on “Urgent need to investigate incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil thefts in Niger- Delta region.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP- Delta) and Co sponsored by Sen. Ede Dafinone and Sen J.Thomas.

    Nwoko in his lead debate said that Nigeria was largely dependent on crude oil for its economic growth and development.

    He said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that oil sector contributed 6.33 per cent of the nation’s GDP which translated to 45.6 billion dollars in 2022 .

    Nwoko said the oil sector in Nigeria plays pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian citizens accounting for 70 per cent of its budget financing, while oil and gas made up of 90 per cent of export and 85 per cent of government revenue in the first quarter of 2022.

    He said statistical data which has been reported over the years, indicated that pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, has brought Nigeria Into serious socio-economic crisis.

    The senator said current collaborative efforts involving joint task force of the military,with contributions of various security entities, state and local governments, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta region has yielded positive results.

    He said the efforts has led to an increase in oil production, reaching 1.51 million barrels per day in first quarter 2023.

    ” This figure marks an improvement from the 1.49 million barrels per day recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and is notably higher than the production volume of 1.34 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

    Nwoke said inspite of efforts of military personnel and security agencies in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region, he, however alleged of individuals within the institutions who engage in illicit activities.

    “These individuals collaborate with unscrupulous figures within the oil industry to undermine the nation’s economy.

    “Also observes that it has come to attention that oil theft in Nigeria thrives due to a troubling collaboration between security forces, militia groups, the local population, and certain employees within oll companies .

    “These parties employ sophisticated methods to carry out theft from all facilities located within the country given Nigeria’s vast oil and gas reserves.”

    He expressed concern of alleged accusations and counter-accusations of oil bunkering and various other crisis between the military and local militia groups.

    “In 2022, it was reported that Nigeria suffered daily loss of approximately 437,000 barrels of crude oil, amounting to a value of 23 million dollars, due to criminal activities.

    ” Moreover, between March 2023, Nigeria incurred a substantial loss of 65.7 million barrels of crude oil, valued at 83 dollars per barrel, translating to a staggering revenue loss of N2.3 trillion as a result of oil theft.”

    He expressed worry that the activities of oil thieves and their collaborators has significantly hampered crude oil production posing a substantial threat to the nation’s economy.

    Contributing, Sen. Mpigi Barinada(PDP- Rivers) called for proper check on issues of oil thefts in Niger Delta, adding that there was challenge of collaboration among security agencies.

    Sen.Osita Izunaso (APC- Imo) said oil bunkering was a major economic sabotage for Nigeria , saying that it was a multifaceted issues.

    He said the solution required sustainable measures and not on ad-hoc basis.

    Sen.Buhari Abdulfatah called for a review of the laws to provide for punitive measures for would be offenders.

    Sen.Adams Oshiomole (APC-Edo) urged the Senate to support President Tinubu in the fight against oil thieves,saying that it was time to stop oil thefts in Nigeria.

    He said it was shameful that so much was been stolen from oil, and urged the senate to invite the service chiefs to interface with senate on what the security agencies were doing to stop oil thefts.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpiabio said he believes strongly that the Armed Forces were in better position to secure the country.

    He thanked the sponsor of the motion, while urging the committee to do a holistic investigation in the interest of the nation.

    Senate consequently urged the committee to present its report on the investigation in six weeks.

  • Senate mandates 5 committees to investigate crude oil thefts in Niger Delta

    Senate mandates 5 committees to investigate crude oil thefts in Niger Delta

    The Senate has mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources, (Upstream, downstream,) Gas, Host communities, and Niger Delta to conduct investigation on oil theft in the region.

    It specifically mandated the committees to investigate the actions of security forces, militia groups, local populace, all company employees, and any individuals or entities suspected to be using sophisticated methods to pilfer from oil facilities within the country.

    The resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion at plenary on Tuesday on “Urgent need to investigate incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil thefts in Niger- Delta region.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP- Delta) and Co-sponsored by Sen. Ede Dafinone and Sen J.Thomas.

    Nwoko in his lead debate said that Nigeria was largely dependent on crude oil for its economic growth and development.

    He said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that oil sector contributed 6.33 per cent of the nation’s GDP which translated to 45.6 billion dollars in 2022.

    Nwoko said the oil sector in Nigeria plays pivotal role in providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian citizens accounting for 70 per cent of its budget financing, while oil and gas made up of 90 per cent of export and 85 per cent of government revenue in the first quarter of 2022.

    He said statistical data which has been reported over the years, indicated that pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, has brought Nigeria Into serious socio-economic crisis.

    The senator said current collaborative efforts involving joint task force of the military, with contributions of various security entities, state and local governments, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta region has yielded positive results.

    He said the efforts has led to an increase in oil production, reaching 1.51 million barrels per day in first quarter 2023.

    ”This figure marks an improvement from the 1.49 million barrels per day recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and is notably higher than the production volume of 1.34 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

    Nwoke said inspite of efforts of military personnel and security agencies in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region, he, however alleged of individuals within the institutions who engage in illicit activities.

    “These individuals collaborate with unscrupulous figures within the oil industry to undermine the nation’s economy.

    “Also observes that it has come to attention that oil theft in Nigeria thrives due to a troubling collaboration between security forces, militia groups, the local population, and certain employees within oll companies .

    “These parties employ sophisticated methods to carry out theft from all facilities located within the country given Nigeria’s vast oil and gas reserves.”

    He expressed concern of alleged accusations and counter-accusations of oil bunkering and various other crisis between the military and local militia groups.

    “In 2022, it was reported that Nigeria suffered daily loss of approximately 437,000 barrels of crude oil, amounting to a value of 23 million dollars, due to criminal activities.

    ” Moreover, between March 2023, Nigeria incurred a substantial loss of 65.7 million barrels of crude oil, valued at 83 dollars per barrel, translating to a staggering revenue loss of N2.3 trillion as a result of oil theft.”

    He expressed worry that the activities of oil thieves and their collaborators has significantly hampered crude oil production posing a substantial threat to the nation’s economy.

    Contributing, Sen. Mpigi Barinada(PDP- Rivers) called for proper check on issues of oil thefts in Niger Delta, adding that there was challenge of collaboration among security agencies.

    Sen.Osita Izunaso (APC- Imo) said oil bunkering was a major economic sabotage for Nigeria , saying that it was a multifaceted issues.

    He said the solution required sustainable measures and not on ad-hoc basis.

    Sen. Buhari Abdulfatah called for a review of the laws to provide for punitive measures for would-be offenders.

    Sen. Adams Oshiomole (APC-Edo) urged the Senate to support President Tinubu in the fight against oil thieves, saying that it was time to stop oil thefts in Nigeria.

    He said it was shameful that so much was been stolen from oil, and urged the senate to invite the service chiefs to interface with senate on what the security agencies were doing to stop oil thefts.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpiabio said he believes strongly that the Armed Forces were in better position to secure the country.

    He thanked the sponsor of the motion, while urging the committee to do a holistic investigation in the interest of the nation.

    Senate consequently urged the committee to present its report on the investigation in six weeks.

  • Clark’s giant cake for Sheriff – By Norbert Chiazor

    Clark’s giant cake for Sheriff – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Every region has its legendary strong man.Back home, Chief Edwin Clark carries the card.

    Love him or hate him, the voice of the most prominent Niger Delta elder reverberates to seductive crescendo.

    Irrepressible in character, the coos of E.K. Clark may not always ring controversial. There are times, he rises to the occasion leaving on his trail, approving applauses. Very well. The wise sayings of the old are vital for social good. The moral compass to cheer or chastise a beguiled melleu.

    The Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori just got a generous letter from the Ijaw -born elder statesman. “My dear son, you have started well”, Clark, Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), wrote to Sheriff over the N78 billion contract recently awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to transform Delta commercial artery – Warri.

    Clark, Second Republic Senator and former Federal Minister of Information was effusive in expression of joy and appreciation to the governor: “On behalf of the people of Warri and elders of Warri referred to as ‘WARRI BOYS’, for what he termed, “the great plan” for the rehabilitation and urban renewal of “our hometown, Warri/Effurun”

    Sheriff is festooned with garlands by Clark, particularly for engaging reputable construction giant, Julius Berger. This according to the sage portrays sincerity of purpose as pledged in his inaugural gubernatorial speech to give special attention to the famed oil city.

    The Niger Delta leader overly shared his optimism that Oborevwori “will extend this pattern to other major towns in the state” in executing his development template – M.O.R.E. agenda.

    Reading Clark’s letter, the most casual observer would decode it as shocking. For a man sceptical of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s backing of Oborevwori as successor, the embrace is daintily instructive.

    Strikingly, Clark may appear in some quarters as a poker of controversies,who loves to fish in troubled waters; but he is neither a frivolous undertaker nor an accustomed praise singer.

    He never dodges from voicing perspectives on critical issues,whether opinionated or altruistic. He bares his mind. Pungent and scarcely patronizing.

    Clark once described Okowa as a “good product” while on seat, in one of his documented assessment of the immediate past governor. But the old man also recently gave Okowa rough tackles.

    At other times, he has had a mixed grill of chummy and stormy laisoins with Dr.Emmanuel Uduaghan as well as Chief James Ibori during their tenures as Governor of the state.

    Vintage E .K Clark. An icon and iconoclast.

    Now that Sheriff is Pa Clark’s melodious song, let Delta rejoice. The elder statesman has not lied. He spoke truth to power and the people.

    It is trite to say Clark is right. Because the footsteps of Oborevwori, so far, is elegant. He is not faking anything. He is firm. Fastidious in fidelity. Focused on Delta project. He is working well and doing well. An egoless yet assertive enigma is emerging.

    From Delta South to Delta Central, cascading to Delta North, the governor is on the move; laying solid foundation. A greater Delta is on the horizon. Visible.

    The even-handed motive of the new Sheriff in town, makes Clark’s emotive letter so credible.

    Kudos Clark. Carry go Sheriff.

  • Niger Delta minister, Momoh, visits Orodje of Okpe, seeks collaboration to curb insecurity in N/Delta

    Niger Delta minister, Momoh, visits Orodje of Okpe, seeks collaboration to curb insecurity in N/Delta

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, has sought the collaboration of the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to achieve sustainable peace and security in the region.

    Momoh made the request on Saturday when he led a delegation of the ministry on a visit to the palace of Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

    Addressing the forum of the Delta Traditional Rulers Council at the palace, Momoh said that the Niger Delta was vital to the economic potentials of the country.

    He said that Delta was the seventh state the delegation had visited in delivering the message of President Bola Tinubu across the Niger Delta region.

    According to him, they have visited Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ondo and Edo.

    The minister said that the present administration held the traditional rulers in very high esteem, describing them as being the custodians of peace in every community.

    He noted that the government was aware that the Niger Delta was a very volatile region, noting that for the country to maximise its economic potentials, Niger Delta must be peaceful.

    “Peace and security are amongst the topmost priorities of Mr President as contained in his policy mission.

    “For us to have peace and security, there is no doubt that the traditional rulers and the governors of the states will be highly involved and that is why we are here.

    “We started from the office of the governor of the state because we are talking of physical stakeholders in any region

    “You should talk of the governor of the state and you know that the traditional rulers are the next in terms of hierarchy,” he said.

    The minister acknowledged the challenges of failed federal roads across the Niger Delta region in particular, the East-West Road.

    He also said that the East-West Road should be extended to Benin City from the Warri axis and Uyo-Calabar from the Port Harcourt axis.

    He said that the governors in the zone advocated that the road should be renamed South South Road.

    “The Ologbo Road from the Benin axis is cut off completely and so many other roads in the region,” he noted.

    The minister, however, promised to interface with his colleague in the Federal Ministry of Works with a view to fashioning out how best the roads could be constructed in a very short time to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

    Responding, the Orodje of Okpe kingdom who is the chairman of Delta Traditional Rulers Council pleaded that the East-West Road project be returned to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    The Federal Government had in 2022, removed the road project from the custody of the  Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to be handled by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “We plead that the East-West Road project should be returned to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. It is very important,” he said.

    The royal father who is also the vice chairman of the South South Traditional Rulers Forum, decried the level of abandoned projects in the state by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since its inception.

    “The NDDC that supposed to be executing projects in the region has not been doing anything. We have abandoned projects all over the state.

    “We are feeling the pains in the Niger Delta region. For instance, we cannot get to Benin City our neighboring state or Port Harcourt, even to get to Asaba is a great challenge.

    “The Federal Government road to Asaba is impassable. Amukpe-Abraka-Agbor-Uromi is bad. It is as if the Niger Delta is not part of this country and that is very painful.

    “So much money has been spent for the construction of roads in the past eight years, no road was awarded in the region. We feel very bad the way we are being treated.

    “The traditional rulers in the South South want to see President Bola Tinubu and tell him the way we are being treated.

    “We the old people can take it, but the youth may not be able to take, we want Nigeria to remain as one country but we should be treated equally,” he said.

    The royal father said that the South South Forum had made several attempts to see the president without successes.

    He noted that the traditional rulers were closer to the people and understood their feelings.

    “We are not seeking for position, we are only helping. The cases we settle in our palaces, High Court judges can not settle them in a year,” he said.

  • Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

    Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

    The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with the seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations.

    According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp.

    He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines.

    Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area( LGA) of Imo.

    “The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles  loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area.

    “Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb  economic sabotage in the country,” he said.

    According to him,  “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”

  • Niger Delta women to Tinubu: Publish forensic report on NDDC

    Niger Delta women to Tinubu: Publish forensic report on NDDC

    Women Leaders of ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to publish the report of the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Leader of the delegation made the call during an interactive meeting with the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    The women leaders were drawn from various ethnic organisations, civil society groups, community and faith-based organisations, market women and non-governmental organisations.

    The forensic audit of NDDC was set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021 to investigate the activities of NDDC from inception to August 2019.

    But several months after the exercise was concluded, the government has maintained a sealed lips as to when the forensic report would be made available to Nigerians.

    Briggs said the delayed publication of the report of forensic audit of NDDC was unacceptable especially as billions were spent to carry out the audit.

    She said, “The women of the Niger Delta are not happy that the forensic audit report of the NDDC has not been published.

    “We wish to remind President Bola Tinubu that the report of the forensic audit under the previous government is unacceptably unavailable to the public.

    “Also, we can no longer ignore the fact that NDDC is owed huge monies running into billions and trillions of Naira,” she said.

    Briggs said the continued delay in the release of the money had limited the ability of the commission to function optimally.

    She said that women of the region have been painfully neglected despite standing with the men in the struggle for justice, equity, accountability, and development of the region.

    “Suffice to add that the Niger Delta women have not had their rights in appointments, development, political and economic recognitions in all areas of government and regional building.

    “The women have been neglected in the development of the region to commiserate with the efforts we have put in over the years.

    “We, therefore, expect you (Ogbuku) to make the concerns of the women one of your priorities by ensuring that this engagement with us will yield better results,” she added.

    The human rights activist commended the managing director for seeking partnership with International Oil Companies, developmental partners, and other government agencies to address challenges confronting the region.

    Speaking, Ogbuku said the commission had concluded plans to initiate projects and programmes that would develop the capacity of women and youths of the region.

    According to him, the commission was currently working on holding a Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit to address many of the challenges faced by the various groups, including women bodies.

    “We want to give all our leaders, political, traditional, youths, women, and other leaders the platform and opportunity to discuss what our future should be.

    “The women form the core of our development programmes. We have met and spoken with the youths, and now, it is the turn of our mothers.

    “Women are critical stakeholders as part of the commission’s programme to engage with all stakeholders in the formulation of NDDC’s overall strategies for the region’s development,” he said.

    Ogbuku said the summit would give women the opportunity to discuss their expectations for the future as well as provide other stakeholders the chance to contribute ideas for the region’s development.

    “Similarly, stakeholders will use the opportunity to leverage on the 2023 budget – which, once signed, we should be able to agree on the areas of priorities on our current realities,” he added.

  • Where’s our palliative, angry ex-agitators ask Niger Delta governors

    Where’s our palliative, angry ex-agitators ask Niger Delta governors

    …threaten to cause mayhem

    Angry ex-agitators have threatened have threatened to cause mayhem in Niger Delta following failures of their governors to provide palliatives to poor communities despite receiving N5bn from the Federal Government.

    The ex-agitators under the auspices of Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND) said their governors seemed to have diverted the money released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to alleviate the suffering caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The Chairman, CEND, Gen. Gershom Mpakaboari Gbobo, in a press briefing alongside other members of the coalition in Port Harcourt, said whereas Tinubu was sensitive enough to make provisions for palliatives, their governors appeared unconcerned with the level of hardship in their various states, especially Bayelsa and Rivers state.

    “Where is our palliatives?” Gershom queried, insisting that there was no deliberate activities and programmes by the governors targeted at providing reliefs to the people.

    He said: “Does it mean that as usual, these governors have pocketed the money? We will never allow it to happen. We will compel them to bring out the money in a mother of all protests across the states. It will no longer be business as usual. Our people are suffering untold hardship while these governors are junketing in profligacy and living large without showing any concern to our problems.

    “We expected the governor’s to have started deliberate programmes aimed at reaching the people with palliatives. We expected them to add reasonable amount of money to the N5bn and float far-reaching programmes that will practically ameliorate the pains of the people. But they are less concerned. We can see what Borno Governor is doing for his people but our entire region is quiet”.

    Gershom wondered why some leaders of ex-agitators like the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Committee on Strategic Communications, Gen Nature Dumale, and the Chairman/President of all first Phase Ex-Agitators in the Niger Delta region, HRH Henry Binidodogha Ekes, had remained quiet over the non-challant attitude of the governors.

    “Are our leaders, the likes of Hon Kakas, the leaders of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who are very close to the Presidency, including Nature Dumale, who is also the Secretary of the First Phase Ex-agitators part of the conspiracy to divert the palliative cash? All of them must speak out against these governors because when we begin our protests we will not listen to anybody”, Gershom said.

    Also, the National Spokesman of the Coalition, Gen Ellington Bakumor called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Secretary to Government of the Federation(SGF), The Chief of Staff to the President and other relevant authorities to prevail on the governors to release the palliatives.

    Also, the National Secretary of the Coalition of Ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region, Gen. Jeff Johnson also lamented the ongoing massive gas export to European countries by the Federal Government without creating the desired benefits and stakeholders engagement among the Niger Delta communities producing the resources.

    He said: “If not for the crisis in Niger, we would not have known that pipelines from Niger Delta communities are supplying massive gas to European countries through Niger Republic. The Federal Government must develop a template to accommodate the leadership of the Niger Delta communities and make them benefit directly from this gas taken from their communities.

    “If such deals continue to happen without any tangible benefits to our people, we will have no option but to shut down all gas facilities in the region”.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu redeploys Momoh Minister of Niger Delta

    BREAKING: Tinubu redeploys Momoh Minister of Niger Delta

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Engr. Abubakar Momoh from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Ministry hitherto known as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is now to be known as the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    This is contained in a statement released on Sunday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity.

    The reshuffling follows an emergency meeting Niger Delta leaders held on Friday, following which they cautioned against scrapping or submerging the Niger Delta Ministry.

    “The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon,” according to the statement.

    Similarly, the Ministers-designate allocated to the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have been reshuffled as follows:

    (A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy

    (B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Interior

    (C) Hon. Sa’idu Alkali is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Transportation

    Furthermore, both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the following designations:

    (i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources

    (ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo is the Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources

    “The President approves the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment.

    “All aforementioned changes take immediate effect by these directives of the President,” the statement added.

  • BREAKING! Niger Delta leaders spit fire, say any attempt to scrap or submerge ministry will have adverse consequences

    BREAKING! Niger Delta leaders spit fire, say any attempt to scrap or submerge ministry will have adverse consequences

    Leaders of the Niger Delta on Friday cautioned the Federal Government not to take any misguided step to scrap or submerge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs would have adverse consequences.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday unveiled portfolios of ministers designate but the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry was no where to be found.

    Rising from a meeting of critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta extraction, leaders of region in a communique jointly signed by its leaders Chief EK Clark and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman the regional group declared that:

    “The group cautioned that any misguided step toward SCRAPPING OR SUBMERGING the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

    To this end the following resolutions were reached at the end of the Confab:

    1 .Expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    2. Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region”, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.

    3. That the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of itthe peace in the Niger Delta region.

    4. THEREFORE, CALLS ON MR. PRESIDENT TO URGENTLY ADDRESS THE OMISSION.

    5. Cautions that any misguided step toward SCRAPPING OR SUBMERGING the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

    6. Further cautions the federal government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

    7. We are hopeful that the federal government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of country.

    Read full communique below:

    COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) AND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) OF PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF) HELD IN ABUJA, ON FRIDAY, 18TH AUGUST 2023.

    An emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Commiiee of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) held in Abuja, on Friday, 18th August 2023.

    The meeting was chaired by the National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, and in attendance were the National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, Members of the Board of Trustees, as well as National and State Officers.

    The meeting discussed issues pertaining to the ongoing appointment and assignment of Ministers, as it affects the states of the Niger Delta region and South-South Geo-Political Zone, particularly, the omission of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
    The meeting resolves as follows:

    1. Expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    2. Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region”, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.

    3. That the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.

    4. THEREFORE, CALLS ON MR. PRESIDENT TO URGENTLY ADDRESS THE OMISSION.

    5. Cautions that any misguided step toward SCRAPPING OR SUBMERGING the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

    6. Further cautions the federal government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

    7. We are hopeful that the federal government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of country.

    8. Issued and Adopted at the end of an Emergency Meeting in Abuja, this 18th Day of August 2023.

    Signed:

    *Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON*
    National Leader

    *Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE*
    National Chairman