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Tag: south south

  • Details of Tinubu’s meeting with South-South monarchs emerges

    Details of Tinubu’s meeting with South-South monarchs emerges

    Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba has called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration, to acknowledge the 1967 Asaba massacre and offer an official apology for the tragic events that took place during the Nigerian Civil War.

    Azinge, while speaking with newsmen after leading a delegation to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, stressed that this recognition is necessary for the healing of old wounds.

    “Among other requests, we mentioned to him the massacre of Asaba people in 1967 and that our people need some apology if need be in that regard,” Azinge said during the visit.

    The Asaba massacre occurred on October 7, 1967, when federal troops, having recaptured the town from Biafran forces, reportedly gathered unarmed civilians who had come out in a peace procession to welcome them.

    Tragically, many of these civilians—men, women, and children—were killed by soldiers who mistakenly believed they were Biafran sympathizers.

    The massacre remains one of the darkest chapters of the Nigerian Civil War, and survivors and their families continue to seek recognition and redress from successive governments.

    Azinge emphasized that acknowledging the atrocity would be a huge step towards healing the wounds left by the event.

    In addition to the apology, Azinge appealed for increased federal presence in Asaba, particularly citing the lack of essential infrastructure, such as a federal university.

    “Asaba remains the only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university. We need institutions in our locality, and that for us is a major concern,” he stated.

    Azinge expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national development, despite the challenges of governing a large and diverse country like Nigeria.

    “There might be some hiccups, but on the whole, we score him highly in that regard, and we pray for him. It is a very difficult country to govern. There will always be criticisms here and there, but I believe he is on the right track, and we wish him the very best,” Azinge said, underscoring his support for the President.

    The traditional ruler also expressed his gratitude for various federal initiatives that have already begun making a difference in Delta State.

    Specifically, he highlighted the ongoing construction of the access road to the Niger Bridge and the routing of a gas pipeline through Asaba and Awka.

    “We acknowledged and appreciated some of the gestures extended by the federal government to our area, especially the access road to the Niger Bridge and the passing of a gas line through Asaba to Awka, all of which are in progress,” he said.

    Describing the meeting with President Tinubu as both a thank-you and a solidarity visit, Azinge recalled that a previous delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had represented the President at the burial of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.

    He concluded, “On the whole, it turned out to be a wonderful visit. He appreciated our coming and indicated that whenever he visits the South-South, he will make a stop in Asaba.”

  • Court stops PDP, Damagum from acting against south-south zonal congress outcome

    Court stops PDP, Damagum from acting against south-south zonal congress outcome

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagun from taking any steps that could adversely affect the outcome of the South South Zonal meeting and Congress of the party.

    Justice James Omotosho issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by Ibrahim Idris, SAN, lawyer to George Turnah, the plaintiff in the suit.

    NAN reports that Turnah had filed the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/447/2025, for himself as Zonal Secretary, South South Zone of the PDP and members of the South South Zonal Working Committee of the party.

    The plaintiff listed the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun; the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

    Turnah alleged that the national PDP was planning to hold a meeting on March 11 to nullify the outcome of the South South Zonal meeting of the party held in Benin in Edo on Feb. 15 and the zonal elective congress held in Calabar, Cross River, on Feb. 22.

    He stated that at the Feb. 22 elective congress, Chief Dan Orbih was re-elected as the Vice Chairman of the PDP for South South Zone along with him and others as members of the Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) of the party for South South Zone.

    The plaintiff is contending among others, that it is not the responsibility of the party’s national leadership to determine how zonal leadership of the party should conduct congresses and hold meetings.

    In his ruling on Monday, after listening to plaintiff’s lawyer, Idris, Justice Omotosho refused to grant the motion ex-parte on the grounds that it was fair and just to afford the defendants the opportunity to be heard before the court could take a decision on the reliefs sought.

    The judge held that it was the considered opinion of the court, that “the matter, facts and allegations made by the plaintiff are so weighty that granting these interim injunctions, without granting hearing to the defendants/respondents will cause serious damage to the working of party.”

    The judge was of the view that “it is just and fair to give the defendants/respondents the opportunity to be heard in respect of this injunctive application.

    “This is not to say that the plaintiff does not have a legal right to protect, but because it would be better to give the defendants/respondents the opportunity to present their cases,” he said.

    Justice Omotosho, therefore, ordered the plaintiffs to serve the defendants/respondents with the motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions and other documents so far filed through substituted means for them to react.

    By the substituted service granted by the court, the plaintiff is required to serve all the court documents on Damagun and the PDP at the party’s headquarters in Abuja by pasting or handling to any adult in the building.

    “The defendants/respondents are ordered to note that it is trite law that once a party is served with a motion on notice or other processes in respect of a pending case, they are bound not to take any action to make the outcome of that suit nugatory.

    “It is in this regard that the defendants/respondents are ordered not to take any steps that may render the outcome of the motion on notice dated 6th March, 2025, but filed on 7th March, 2025, nugatory.

    “Where a matter is pending before a court, no party is permitted to take action that will render the suit or the outcome of the proceedings nugatory.

    “The defendants/respondents must not overreach the plaintiff by taking steps to destroy the res or render the decision of this court in respect of the motion on notice dated 6th March, 2025 but filed on 7th March, 2025 nugatory and steps taken to render the judicial outcome of the motion on notice shall be a nullity,” he said.

    Justice Omotosho emphasised the need for the court to protect judicial proceedings “and ordered  that no party, the defendants inclusive, shall take any steps to overreach the motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions dated 6th March, 2025 but filed on 7th March, 2025.”

    The judge then adjourned the matter until March 18 for the defendants/respondents to respond to the motion for interlocutory injunctions and for possible hearing of the motion.

    The reliefs being sought by the plaintiff are an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants and their agents from calling or holding any meeting on March 11 or any other day with a view to setting aside the resolution of the meeting of the South South Zonal Committee of 2nd defendants (PDP) held in Benin and the zonal elective congress held in Calabar.

    *An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 3rd defendant (INEC) from recognising or giving vent to any meeting convened by the 1st and 2nd defendants or their agents on March 11 or any other day or any resolution passed therein.”

  • Gov. Diri rejects South-South PDP congress

    Gov. Diri rejects South-South PDP congress

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a congress held in Calabar. He said the national leadership rejected it and would set a new date.

    Diri made this known on Monday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa.

    He stated: “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join PDP.

    “PDP in Bayelsa is united and cannot be weakened. This party produced a Nigerian president from our state. It has also produced governors and federal legislators.

    “This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed.

    He clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South. The national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date at the right time.

    The governor assured that the PDP in Bayelsa remained intact and was the best platform for politicians aiming to achieve their ambitions.

    Diri reiterated that PDP had produced key office holders, including a former Nigerian president, and remained dominant in Bayelsa politics.

    He urged members to stay united and avoid distractions, emphasising the need for collective efforts to strengthen the party in the state.

    Diri further explained that the South-South zonal congress, initially scheduled for Feb. 22, was postponed by the National Working Committee.

    He revealed that the decision followed a request from the four South-South governors, who informed the party’s leadership that the date was unsuitable.

    Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government have apologised to the governor and the party for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah.

    Speaking at the meeting, Ogbia Constituency 3 representative, Gabriel Ogbara, said the apology was necessary, as betrayal was not in the character of Ogbia people.

    Ogbara described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and pleaded for forgiveness, reaffirming Ogbia’s loyalty to the party and its leadership.

    The State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, affirming their leadership.

    The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.

    Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration, citing its numerous development projects across Bayelsa as evidence of good governance.

    Agwana commended the governor for fostering unity within the party and urged continued support for the administration to ensure further development in the state.

    State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, also lauded Diri’s achievements, stating that his performance had made future election campaigns easier, given the many completed projects.

    In attendance were the deputy governor, and Ogbia Federal Constituency representative, Rep. Mitema Obordor.

    Also present were former deputy governors Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, alongside PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu.

    Local government chairmen and other key party stakeholders also participated in the meeting.

  • PDP has not conducted S/South zonal congress – NWC

    PDP has not conducted S/South zonal congress – NWC

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the party’s  South South Zonal Congress held on Saturday in Calabar.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the outcome of the Calabar purported congress was null and void.

    Ologunagba said that the party NWC’s attention was drawn to a reported social gathering in Calabar, Cross River where the organisers falsely claimed same to be the PDP South South zonal congress .

    He recalled that the NWC at its meeting on Thursday, in exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2)(b), pursuant to Section 31 (2) (c) and (j) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) postponed the conduct of the South South zonal congress from the earlier scheduled date of Feb. 22.

    Ologunagba said that the postponement was to allow for further consultation on critical issues relating to the smooth conduct of the congress in the Zone.

    According to him, Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution empowers the NWC to “in case of emergency, act on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) subject to the ratification of the NEC ”.

    Ologunagba also said that “Section 31(2)(c) expressly provides that the NEC shall “supervise and direct the work of the Party and all its organs including the national, zonal, state and local government organs”.

    He added that in the same vein Section 31(2)(j) empowers the NEC to make party electoral regulations to govern the conduct of elections to all party offices at every level and regulate procedures for selecting the party candidates for elective offices.

    “For emphasis therefore, the PDP states that it has not conducted its South South zonal congress and it has yet to communicate a date for the exercise,” Ologunagba said.

    He called on all party members in the South South zone, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the media to disregard any gathering or outcome of such in Calabar, purported to be the party zonal congress.

    Ologunagba said that the party in due course and through its official channels would communicate a new date for the conduct of the South South zonal congress.

    He commended the PDP South-South state governors, other leaders, key stakeholders, and party members in the zone for their loyalty and steadfastness in promoting the unity, stability, and growth of the party both in the region and nationwide.

    NAN reports that Dan Orbih and all the immediate past zonal officers, who were elected four years ago in Port Harcourt, were re-elected during the congress on Saturday in Calabar.

    They were all returned unopposed, but an election was conducted to reaffirm their positions.

    The zonal executive consists of 10 members, in addition to six ex-officio members.

    The congress was attended by former governors, former and serving members of the National Assembly, among others

  • Tinubu’s uncaring politics at its best, ignoring South South as example – By Ikeddy Isiguzo

    Tinubu’s uncaring politics at its best, ignoring South South as example – By Ikeddy Isiguzo

    NOISY headlines weeks ago propagated the love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has for Ogoniland which sent a delegation to him. Whatever the Ogoni visit was about, it was an opportunity for Tinubu to recount how much he had done for Ogoniland.

    The enlightened encounter was a ruse. Tinubu was not interested in any cleansing of polluted Ogoni land. His interest is in easing tension in the area was for oil production to resume – nothing more.

    Last October, Tinubu showed his disdain for the South South by abrogating the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs which President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua created on 8 September 2008 and also set up the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Yar’Adua appointed a Minister and a Minister of State charged specifically with Youth Empowerment for the Ministry.

    Tinubu threw away the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on the same day he announced the Ministry of Livestock Development, of course to be funded with the resources of the oil wells of the South South. He did not care. A few media protests followed. Tinubu ignored them.

    Once he got away with serving South South that affront, he moved on to other monumental decisions that nobody has tried to halt. A rash of bills for creation of regional development agencies which the All Progressives Congress had promised 10 years ago, and which Tinubu lifted for the manifesto of his presidential election, hit the National Assembly late in 2024. They were passed into law in unbecoming urgency. The reason must have been to make provisions for them in the 2025 budget.

    Muhammadu Buhari was just two years in office when he created the North East Development Commission, NEDC. His excuse was that the war in the North East required urgent repair of infrastructure and building new ones to address the impact of the conflict. The remaining six years of Buhari’s tenure, he did not create a Commission for the other regions.

    The North East Development Commission gives a good idea of the robust budget that the Commissions are meant to deploy to developing their zones. Unfortunately, if NEDC is the model, then the funds are not going into development. In the 2024 Appropriation Bill (details), NEDC coded as 0554004001 had a total budget of N131,254,101,172 out of N126,936,316,904 was personnel cost. Capital expenditure was N4,317,784,268.

    For 2025, the proposed budgets for the regional agencies are:

    Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, N776.53 billion

    North West Development Commission, NWDC, N585.93 billion

    South West Development Commission, SWDC, N498.40 billion

    South East Development Commission, SEDC, N341.27 billion

    North East Development Commission, NEDC, N291 billion

    The mischief is crystalising with NDDC being listed with the regional development agencies.

    In October when this disdain for South South was brewing, I had warned thus, “If Tinubu is not halted in his strides, he would count NDDC as the Commission for South South, ignoring the facts that NDDC has three States that are not from the South South zone, and that NDDC is a special intervention agency to deal with issues that are specific to the area.

    Tinubu cares enough for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats to create a Ministry for them. The least he can do for the human beings in the Niger Delta (South South) is to leave the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    “Only in June, Senator Adamu Aliero, Kebbi Central, former Governor of Kebbi State, in an argument to shut down an anti-grazing bills had said that animals were citizens of Nigeria and therefore had the same citizenship rights as us. An aghast Senate President Dr. Godswill Akpabio over-ruled him several times.

    “Akpabio will soon be approving a supplementary budget for animals even if it is not for their rights, the money for funding animal affairs and their indulgers would be at the expense of the same Niger Delta that cannot qualify for a Ministry to manage its affairs.”

    Is that not where we are today? Is Akpabio not the one hitting the gavel as money is dispersed to other regions except South South and North Central.

    While Akpabio is the cheer leader of the silence on the marginalisation of the South South, here are the numbers and the weight of silence that has kept the South South out the opportunities of the South South Development Commission which the four regions are enjoying. No region comes close to the cash that the South South heaves into the national purse daily. Any slight drop in oil production affects the entire economy. When it comes to sharing resources, the region produces; everyone looks away as if it would have been abnormal for the South South to benefit from oil and gas productions that in addition devastate the environment of the oil-bearing areas. Akwa Ibom 10, Bayelsa 5, Cross River 8, Delta 10, Edo 9, and Rivers 13 have 55 members in the House of Representatives. Their output on the affliction on the South South is silence. In a House of 360 members, the House of Representatives members from the South South is 15.27 per cent of the House. South South’s six States amount to 18 Senators of the 109-member chamber.

    What can this miniscule minority do? A lot, if these representatives consider the issues important, they would not be silent as if they are infected with “closed mouths” or have been sworn to silence. What about the six Governors who are busy wearing uniforms at meetings? They may as well not have heard of the Commissions hence their silence.

    Our first intervention agency, Niger Delta Development Board in 1959, pre-dated our independence. The interests in protecting the oil-producing areas implicated the Eastern Region, Mid-Western Region, and were enrolled in the 1963 federal Constitution. On 9 July 1992, General Ibrahim Babangida signed the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, Decree, into law. It succeeded the Niger Delta Board of 1959. OMPADEC comprised Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Edo, Ondo and Abia States. Bayelsa State was created four years after. President Olusegun Obasanjo changed OMPADEC to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in 2000.

    So, Abia, Imo, and Ondo States, who are in NDDC because they produce oil, have also become part of South South, while they are beneficiaries of the Commissions in South East, and South South? If the oil in the South South was in another part of Nigeria, would the argument that having NDDC disqualifies the region from new regional development agencies that the Federal Government is establishing? What is the reason for the exclusion of the North Central?

    When will we start building a nation where no man is oppress?

    Finally…

    PA Ayo Adebanjo, a fearless, fierce fighter for freedoms, joined his ancestors on Friday, 14 February 2025 at 96. He was one of a few who held to the truth as he knew it. He was consistent in his strive for equal rights and justice for all through the efforts to return some of the powers that the federal government had hijacked to the States, and by extension the Local Governments. He managed his life well and very importantly; he had character that deterred him from flowing with the sirocco of Nigerian politics. He will be missed. May the almighty rest him.

    PS: Watch out as those who opposed Pa Adebanjo, betrayed him, lied against him, would line up to leverage his passing for momentary resurrection of their politics of “anywhere belly face na road”.

    ISIGUZO is a major commentator on minor issues

     

  • South South Devt Commission Bill scales through second reading in Senate

    South South Devt Commission Bill scales through second reading in Senate

    The South South Development Commission Bill on Thursday scaled through second reading in the Senate.

    Also, the Senate has began the process to amend the Northwest and Southeast Development Commission Acts, specifically addressing the allocation of Managing Director and Chairmanship positions.

     

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, while presenting the amendments, explained that the proposed changes to the Northwest Development Commission Act, 2024, aim to ensure fair geopolitical representation within the commission’s Governing Board.

    One key amendment is to prevent the appointment of both the Chairman and Managing Director from the same state in the zone, while also mandating Senate confirmation of these appointments, as required by the Nigerian Constitution.

    “To uphold fairness and align with the federal character principle, it is necessary that the commission’s membership reflects other geopolitical zones, in line with the Acts governing federal commissions,” Bamidele said.

    A similar rationale was provided for the proposed amendments to the Southeast Development Commission Act.

    Following the second reading, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of the amendments, noting that they are essential for the smooth operation of the development commissions in both regions.

    Meanwhile, the Senate also approved the South-South Development Commission Bill for second reading, just months after initially rejecting it. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and supported by Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), received overwhelming support across party lines.

    During the debate, Senator Dickson clarified that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), often misconstrued as a zonal entity, is actually a resource-based commission addressing the environmental damage caused by oil exploration across several states. He noted that the NDDC serves not just the South-South, but parts of the Southeast and Southwest as well, while the proposed South-South Development Commission would be zonal.

    With strong backing from the Senate, President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Special Duties and requested a report within one week.

  • What Tinubu told visiting South South traditional rulers

    What Tinubu told visiting South South traditional rulers

    President Bola Tinubu has assured South South traditional rulers of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns on development and environmental degradation.

    The President gave the assurance on Tuesday at the State House,  during a meeting with the South-South Monarchs Forum.

    The forum was led by retired Maj.–Gen Felix Mujakperuo, Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Vice-Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum.

    The President told the Royal Fathers that his administration was working to strengthen Nigeria’s durability and approach to climate change, environmental restoration, infrastructure development and security and stability in the region.

    Commending the traditional rulers  for their understanding approach to his administration’s ongoing economic reforms,  Tinubu promised that Nigerians would soon enjoy the benefits of “these tough decisions”.

    ”We are working to revive the economy from the damage of several years. We seek your support, prayers, and understanding, and I am glad that the Vice-Chairman of the Forum served in an organisation where we need intelligence to operate.

    ”You (the traditional institution) will be the source of the intelligence we need for the holistic development of our country, and anytime you need to tell us something, do not hesitate to reach out to this office.

    “I will take on all of your concerns, and I will address each of them one by one. We cannot underestimate your contributions to the peace and stability of this country.

    “Continue to uphold us in your prayers and in talking to our youths to keep faith with the country because light is already visible at the end of the tunnel,” the President said.

    In his remarks, Mujakperuo appealed to President Tinubu to follow up on all developmental efforts in the region to be sure that progress is tangible to the people.

    “Mr  President, you know the problems of our region as an expert with experience in the energy industry.

    “We see you working hard to solve our problems, and we are comforted that you have pledged to take on our concerns and bring a final solution to them,” he  said.

  • E.K Clark passionately appeals to Tinubu on dangerous state of S/South roads

    E.K Clark passionately appeals to Tinubu on dangerous state of S/South roads

    Elder statesman, Chief EK Clark has written a letter to President Bola Tinubu appealing that he should consider fixing the deplorable state of the roads in the south south geo-political zone of Nigeria.

    Citing the October 1 incident in Koko, Clark demanded for a quick fix to remedy the situation.

    Hear him:

    “First I wish to congratulate you on your successful outing at the United Nations General Assembly where your inaugural address was well applauded by Nigerians as well as the foreign audience.

    “Unfortunately, your return to Nigeria from that meeting at the world body and all your other activities while at the USA which had been well reported and we hope will help revamp the national economy which had come to be greeted with the unfortunate state of affairs in our part of the country that is the South-South region.

    “This is because, as raised on the floor of the House of Representatives on 5th October 2023 by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and other members of the house from the South-South on Sunday, 1st October, 2023, at least 20 lives of our fellow citizens were lost and vehicles and other properties were burnt down at Koko Junction on the Warri-Benin highway.

    “This was due to the dilapidated state of the road and this speaks volumes of the calamity which the people of the South-South region continue to face daily due to the most inhuman situation of the federal roads in the region.

    “Although this region singularly produces the bulk of the wealth of this country and we see the impact of the natural resource that is daily taken out of our soil here in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and almost every other part of the country, we are left to wallow in this total neglect, marginalisation and deprivation. This recent accident at the Koko junction could have been averted if particularly in the past 8 years of President Muhammadu Buhari government, efforts had been made to look into the state of our roads. Indeed, I will like to re-produce one of my farewell messages to President Muhammadu Buhari on 28th of May, 2023 in order to avoid repetition in this matter. I stated in my paragraph 16 as follows:

    “The state of roads and other critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta region equally leaves a sour taste in our mouths. The East-West Road remains an ugly stain on Nigeria political administrative logic, especially for something considered as signature project, because of its economic significance. No substantial inch of construction work has been added in the eight years of the Buhari Administration. Sections of the road supposedly constructed were washed away like whitewash on walls by the 2022 floods, obviously due to the poor standard of work done”.

    “As you would expect, that road is right now, especially at the time of this 2023 rainy season,in total disrepair and a death trap where there is daily carnage. The connection between Calabar and Itu, i.e. in the section between Cross River and Akwa Ibom remains one of the most dangerous roads in the world, even though the NNPC Ltd is supposed to have taken it over. Coming further down, under your government, you have gratefully awarded the section around the Refinery by Eleme Junction. For this, we are grateful.

    “However, the connection between Rivers State and Bayelsa State has four major sections which collapsed due to the 2022 floods and has remained unrepaired; such that a normal journey that would have taken one and half hours between the two states now take three hours and more. If you continue to the axis between Patani and Warri, there are at least four major spots again where the road has totally collapsed and can no longer be passed; with commuters having to go through bush paths in order to continue their journey. Between Warri and Sapele, there are so many bad spots, also washed away by floods and this continues from Sapele to Benin which led to the mammoth death in numbers at Koko junction. It will be remembered that for sometime now for three consecutive months, women and youths have been demonstrating on the road, blocking passer-by, urging the Federal Government to rehabilitate the road. The road from Benin to Asaba is equally in terrible state beyond description, as well as the road from Benin to Auchi which has repeatedly come up in the National Assembly. Yet, nothing has been done to redress the situation. I am reaching out to you, as I said before, because I reminded President Buhari that he was leaving us in a terrible state. That is why in other areas of my communication to him I again reminded as follows:

    “And if one may ask, what is the status of the US $333m Bodo-Bonny Road, a project expected to open up opportunities for rapid socio-economic development of the areas, even with a reported contribution of US $167m by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Limited?

    Meanwhile, four years ago, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Works, disclosed that 524 road projects were ongoing in the six geopolitical zones of the country. Fashola said there were four multilateral-funded road projects, 81 under the Presidential Infrastructural Development Fund and 45 others being funded under the Sukuk bond.

    Mr. Babatunde Fashola, again, on 3rd November 2021, advanced a list of major roads that had been completed by the Federal Government which were ready for commissioning nationwide. The minister reeled out the names of the roads when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Works to defend his ministry’s 2022 budget proposal in Abuja.

    Certainly, billions of naira, from the Niger Delta oil and gas resources have been approved and expended on the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges across the country, excluding roads and bridges in the South-South zone.

    Some of the roads and bridges reportedly completed or being constructed/reconstructed include: the Kano-Maiduguri Road linking Kano-Jigawa-Bauchi-Yobe and Borno States Section II, covering over 177km, said to have been executed for N65.32 billion and another Section of 101.84 kilometers for N45.18 billion; the rehabilitation of Sokoto-TambuwaI-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Section in Sokoto and the Kebbi States, a length put at 155 kilometers executed for N30.45 billion; Nenwe-Oduma-Mpu (Enugu State) – Uburu (Ebonyi State), which is 40.27 kilometers long, at a contract sum of N12,598,151,083.54; the rehabilitation of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road, Section II (Gashua-Bayamari), said to be 25 kilometers long, executed for N6,581,999,666.55; the rehabilitation of Vandeikya-Obudu-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Vandeikya-Obudu Section) in Benue for N6.69 billion.

    Construction work has also been ongoing, day and night, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; the Second Niger Bridge has been completed and commissioned, likewise the Kano-Katsina road, the Ibadan-Ilesa-Ife road, and other roads across the country are completed or near completion, except roads in the South-South.

    Whereas, Fashola said, the Ministry of Works and Housing has about 13,000 kilometers of roads and bridges under construction and rehabilitation in 856 contracts, comprising 795 projects and aggregate length of 815 kilometers of roads and 733m of bridges. The only projects listed in the South-South zone are the construction of a two-lane Bridge at the Cameroon-Nigeria Border at Ekok/Mfum, including Approach Roads.

    The critical question, in all of these is, where are the roads and bridges in the South-South zone in the said list of 854 contracts comprising road and bridge projects of the Ministry of Works and Housing?

    In October 2021, the federal government approved NNPC’s request to take over the reconstruction of 21 federal roads nationwide, totaling 1,804.6 kilometers at N621.2 billion, under the Federal Government’s Executive Order No. 007 of 2019 cited as the companies income tax (Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme) signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. From the information that was made available, in terms of kilometers (length of the roads), the South-South had the least with only 52.2 kilometers. The North Central had 1,479.9 kilometers; North West had; North East had; South-East had 122 kilometers and South-West had 119 kilometers. The question we asked at the time was what were the reasons for such an absurd distribution? What was the yardstick?

    In January this year, 2023, the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of January 18, 2023, which was presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, approved another request by NNPC to reconstruct 44 additional roads across Nigeria at N1.9 billion, the East-West road and Benin-Sapele-Warri road were not captured. For the federal government to wait until less than a month to the end of its tenure to reportedly approve NNPC’s takeover of the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road is deceitful and insulting.

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, neglected the South-South zone in the allocation and distribution of projects by his ministry, in tandem with the established pattern of the Buhari administration. Even the housing units being built by the federal government across the country, we are unaware of any being built in the south-south.

    Recall that when the $311 million Abacha loot was returned from the United States in 2020, the South-South was excluded in projects designated for the fund, which included the second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressways, as well as the Mambilla Power Project in North East zone; no project in the South-South zone was listed. That scenario was repeated with the Ibori loot.

    I considered it an obligation to make this communication from a standpoint of patriotism to highlight the failures of the outgoing administration, particularly, the callous inattention of the administration to issues of the Niger Delta region and to further accentuate the developmental necessities of the people of the region, with the justified expectation that the incoming federal administration will bestow a fairer disposition and responsiveness to the Niger Delta region.”

    5. Mr. President, I have taken copious time to quote my letter above due to the fact that it is not only from your time that I have been forced to cry out. We have been neglected for eight years with no visible impact by the Federal Government. Our people are dying daily from these accidents, yet no action is being taken. As a leader of the people of the area, I want to urge you to take an urgent step to fix the roads in the region. We cannot be the goose that lays the golden eggs, the goose that bears the brunt of providing the wherewithal for everybody in terms of environmental damage, yet remain in such stark deprivation.

    6. At my age of 96 years, I have seen it all; I therefore will like to caution, Mr. President, that this level of neglect which is leading to daily suffering may not go unnoticed forever. It is good that the people of the region have maintained relative peace to allow for the continued massive exploitation of oil and gas activities to take place. But their silence in the midst of such glaring deprivation may not be sustained forever.

    7. I recall that in the early 2000, many of us, leaders, had cautioned the government of Obasanjo as well as that of Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan administration on the need to take certain corrective actions to assuage the suffering of the people. This was not heeded until we had a near breakdown of law and order. This was what led to the upsurge in violence, economic sabotage and instability in the region. This was what led to the Presidential Amnesty Programme which itself has a major component of social and infrastructural development. Today, nobody is saying anything about that major component of the amnesty programme, rather, we hear envious and mischievous statements by some misguided and tribal sentiments.

    8. During the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari when this type of neglect started, there was an incident of what became known as activities by Niger Delta Avengers. Again, this led to major challenges to the national economy leading to an unusually low level of oil production and deep economy depression. Again, the Niger Delta leaders under the aegis of PANDEF mediated and prevailed on our people to give government a chance of massive infrastructural development of the region, especially the modernisation and completion of the East West road.
    After PANDEF has successfully mediated with the agitating youths, we were invited to meet the Federal Government in Aso-Rock, I led a delegation of over 100 personalities including traditional rulers, legislators, professionals to present a 16 point programme for discussion with Mr President, but till the end of Buhari’s tenure, he did not revert to us, except Vice President Osinbajo, when as acting President, visited the region, where he made series of promises including relocation of the IOC’s to their operational Headquarters in the Niger-Delta, to improve the living standard of the people and to reduce the incessant crises. Secondly, modular refineries will be established in statutory places to reduce the illegal refinery being operated by the youths.

    9. As I have stated above in my letter to your predecessor, President Buhari, this failed to take place. Maybe as an old man, I should mention that this state of affairs is already leading to a build-up of frustrations among our people and the outcome may not be pleasant to all of us if these situations of things continue as it is. This situation as they say, of robbing Paul to pay Peter may not go on well for too long.

    10. I am therefore appealing to you as Head of State who has pledged to take the whole country as his constituency to pay attention to our people even when we, as leaders, continue to prevail on them to keep the peace. I trust that an urgent action will be taken as our people are silently saying within their hearts that enough is enough.

    11. Government is a continuum, and today you are on the saddle. I therefore urge you, as leader of the South-South Region, to reverse this trend of neglect, which is known worldwide. I urge you to break this jinx of resource curse and the pain that our people have borne for decades and stamp your name in history as it pertains to the Niger Delta development.

    12. I will continue to pray for the peace of our country and for you, as you rule to ensure justice and fairness to the whole country and especially to the people of the Niger Delta region.

    Chief E.K. Clark, OFR, CON

  • Stakeholders decry public infrastructure vandalism in South-south

    Stakeholders decry public infrastructure vandalism in South-south

    Some stakeholders in the South-South have decried the unabated vandalism of public infrastructure by unpatriotic elements in the region.

    In separate interviews during a survey conducted, they lamented that government’s efforts to provide critical infrastructure for the people were being thwarted by criminal elements.

    According to them, the infrastructure that were worst hit by vandalism included, power installations, telecommunication, oil and gas installations, roads and bridges fittings.

    Mr Obeten Obeten, Head of Administration, Cross River Infrastructure Safety and Regulatory Agency, said valuable assets of the state were being destroyed on daily basis.

    He particularly condemned theft of gully inlets, manhole covers and other flood containment infrastructure in Calabar and other cities.

    To forestall the trend, Obeten said

    the state government instituted a ban on the movement of scrap materials in the state to stop evacuation of the stolen items by vandals.

    He, however, regretted that the law lacked enforcement by the relevant security authorities.

    On the efforts by his agency, he said they established a synergy with the Cross River Water Board, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, (PHEDC) and telecom operators on protection of their assets.

    “When we noticed any form of vandalism, we draw the attention of the agency or operator concerned.

    ‘’In areas where we cannot get the operator, we go in and salvage the situation within our means,” he said.

    Obeten advocated community participation in projects building in order to instill in them a sense of ownership and willingness to protect the assets.

    He also urged the government to implement laws protecting public property in order to curtail the rate of infrastructure vandalism.

    Speaking in same vein, Supt. Solomon Eremi, of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC), said vandalism of telecommunications and power installations as well as road infrastructures was rampant in the region

    Eremi the Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Cross River command said in spite of inadequate staff strength, the command had tried to reduce the menace of vandalism.

    He said some of the arrested culprits by their officers, always blamed the devil, unemployment and poverty as causes of their unpatriotic acts.

    He appealed for more information from the public in order to niche activities of vandals and other criminal elements in the bud.

    The NSDC image maker urged the government and philanthropists to assist the Command with patrol vehicles.

    He called for recruitment and deployment of personnel to the command for more effective operations especially in remote places of the state.

    Mr Henry Ekini, a lawyer and National Legal Adviser of Committee of Human Rights (CDHR) in Port Harcourt equally condemned the rampant vandalism of government facilities in the state.

    He said, it was disturbing, the rate at which pipelines, telecommunications and power infrastructures were being vandalised and destroyed by hoodlums.

    Ekini, specifically, condemned the incessant removal of manhole-covers and steel protectors from roads in Port-Harcourt.

    “This anti-social behaviour is condemnable as it has over the years led to avoidable accidents, causing injuries and sometimes death of the victims,” he said.

    Ekini listed; poverty, greed, drug use, high unemployment rate and poor security network among the reasons for the rising rate of vandalism in the state.

    “Although, these factors are no justification to commit crime, the implication is that, if they are not addressed, more persons, particularly youths will take to crime,” he said

    The lawyer suggested multi-dimensional approach including, more employment opportunities, improved access to education and community sensitisation to the dangers of vandalism as measures to curtail the menace.

    He added deployment of technology, such as CCTV, drones and security control rooms on the streets to checkmate crime.

    Ekini also urged the government to improve funding for maintenance agencies to preserve public facilities before they decay.

    “Above all, residents have a huge role to play, as they must be vigilant and look out for suspicious behaviors around public property,” he said.

    Mr Onayesemi Berida, Federal Controller of Works, Akwa Ibom, said that replacement of iron and steel components with concrete would protect some of the public infrastructure from vandals.

    According to him, iron elements are always attractive and easily disposable by vandals, while concrete elements are not attractive and difficult to be taken away and sold.

     

  • Erigga knocks Headies for undermining South-South region

    Erigga knocks Headies for undermining South-South region

    Nigerian hip-hop artist Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly  known as Erigga, has disclosed that he started boycotting the Headies Award after his 2020 album The Erigma II’ lost out in the Best Rap Album category at the 14th edition of the award show.

    The Delta state born rapper accused the Headies organisers of disrespecting artists from the South-South region.

    Erigga made the allegations via his Twitter handle on Wednesday, hours after the nominees for the 16th Headies were announced.

    Despite releasing an album, ‘The Lost Boy,’ in the year under review, the Warri-born rapper did not secure any nominations.

    Venting his anger on Twitter, Erigga shared the art cover of his 2020 album ‘The Erigma II’, with the caption: “Na from here I don take boycott all these f*ckers (Headies) the disrespect was too much for the south south to take… If you don’t like us and not going to respect our craft then it’s f*ck you and everything you represent; that’s it.”