tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36861160305517189632024-03-08T03:34:23.104-08:00Golden Pen NewspaperGolden Pen is an authoritative and reliable Newspaper in the Niger Delta region, based in YenagoaOtonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.comBlogger391125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-8474638713618790042020-11-23T15:13:00.000-08:002020-11-23T15:13:09.643-08:00SOUTH AFRICAN AUTHORITY ADVERTIZES PROPHET BUSHERI'S HOUSE FOR SALE <div>Prophet Bushiri R5.5 Million Mansion To Be Auctioned To The Highest Bidder</div><div>By Audrey L Ncube</div><div><div></div>Prophet Bushiri R5.5 Million Mansion To Be Auctioned To The Highest Bidder</div><div> </div><div><div class="img-o"><div class="img-i"><img data-wl-id="i18e3ce4" alt="" 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class="img-o"><div class="img-i">"Prophet Bushiri R5.5 Million Mansion To Be Auctioned To The Highest Bidder(Photo Credit: ZWNews)<br></div></div></div><div><div></div>Controversial self-proclaimed Prophet Bushiri and Prophetess Mary Bushiri stand to lose their luxurious R5.5 million mansion as the state is set to auction the mansion to the highest bidder.</div><div>This comes after, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, forfeited their multimillion-rand mansion in Centurion to the state after they failed to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.</div><div>National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Sipho Ngwema revealed ... that Prophet Bushiri’s luxurious R5.5 million mansion in Centurion will be auctioned to the highest bidder.</div><div>“The state will have to auction it so that it realizes its value and the money will be given to the fiscus,” he said.</div><div>The Bushiri’s who are founders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering church revealed on their Facebook page that they are well aware of the seizure of their assets in South Africa following the court ruling in Malawi. He claims that he is more worried about his life than the assets that are being seized. Posting on his Official Facebook page he said:</div><div><div></div>“I am also informed that some of my assets in SA have been confiscated by authorities, to which I say: ‘My right to life is more important than any asset in this world.”</div><div>“Whatever has happened today, I don’t see it as our victory, neither our lawyers. God has won. Tomorrow is better than today!”</div><div>The couple was due in court along with their co-accused Landiwe Ntlokwana, Zethu Mudolo, and Willie Mudolo in connection with a fraud and money laundering case to the tune of R102 million. However, the Bushiri’s skipped bail and violated their bail conditions by fleeing the country.</div><div>A warrant for their arrest was issued but instead, the couple handed themselves over to the Malawian authorities and asked for their trial to be in Malawi as they claim to fear for their lives in South Africa.</div><div>However, a local Malawi court has seen its magistrate releasing the duo ‘unconditionally’ despite warrants for their arrest being issued in South Africa."</div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-47967554552651406882020-11-19T04:08:00.000-08:002020-11-19T04:08:58.111-08:00Supreme Court Ruling On Bayelsa Election: Litigants Not My Enemies, says Gov. Diri<div class="entry-header"><h1 class="jeg_post_title"><br></h1></div><div class="row"><div class="jeg_main_content col-md-8"><div class="jeg_share_top_container"><div class="jeg_share_button clearfix"><div class="jeg_sharelist"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnigerdeltaherald.com%2Fsupreme-court-ruling-on-bayelsa-election-litigants-not-my-enemies-says-gov-diri%2F" class="jeg_btn-facebook expanded"><i class="fa fa-facebook-official"></i></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Supreme+Court+Ruling+On+Bayelsa+Election%3A+Litigants+Not+My+Enemies%2C+says++Gov.+Diri&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnigerdeltaherald.com%2Fsupreme-court-ruling-on-bayelsa-election-litigants-not-my-enemies-says-gov-diri%2F" class="jeg_btn-twitter expanded"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnigerdeltaherald.com%2Fsupreme-court-ruling-on-bayelsa-election-litigants-not-my-enemies-says-gov-diri%2F" class="jeg_btn-google-plus "><i class="fa fa-google-plus"></i></a><a href="https://nigerdeltaherald.com/supreme-court-ruling-on-bayelsa-election-litigants-not-my-enemies-says-gov-diri/#" class="jeg_btn-toggle"><i class="fa fa-share"></i></a></div></div></div><div class="jeg_ad jeg_article jnews_content_top_ads "><div class="ads-wrapper "></div></div><div class="entry-content no-share"><div class="jeg_share_button share-float jeg_sticky_share clearfix share-monocrhome"><div class="jeg_share_float_container"></div></div><div class="content-inner "><p></p><p> The Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri has again extended a hand of fellowship to all those that filed petitions in court against his election.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p></p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></div><p>Governor Diri in his reaction to Wednesday’s ruling of the Supreme Court, which dismissed the last batch of cases against him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the litigants were neither his enemies nor enemies of Bayelsa.</p><p>He said they only exercised their rights by going to court and that he did not consider the litigations as personal regardless of the fact that they were a distraction.</p><div class="jeg_ad jeg_ad_article jnews_content_inline_3_ads "><div class="ads-wrapper align-center "></div></div><p>His Chief Press Srcretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement that the dismissal of the petitions of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Liberation Movement (LM) and Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) against the deputy governor and that of the Accord Party (AP) against Diri was the fifth time the governor and his deputy had won at the Supreme Court.</p><div class="jeg_ad jeg_ad_article jnews_content_inline_2_ads "><div class="ads-wrapper align-center "><div class="ads_google_ads"><ins class="adsbygoogle adsslot_mjwOeKiXZt" data-ad-client="pub-5427118661119423" data-ad-slot="<script async src=" pagead2.googlesyndication.com="" pagead="" js="" adsbygoogle.js"="" data-adsbygoogle-status="done"><ins id="aswift_2_expand"><ins id="aswift_2_anchor">In putting a final seal on the governor as being duly elected, the apex court said the appeals lacked merit and therefore dismissed all four petitions.</ins></ins></ins></div></div></div><p>Speaking to journalists after the judgement, Governor Diri said: “I have over the period leading to the Supreme Court ruling said as a state we do not need all of this distraction. We are one and the brotherhood should be paramount.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></p><p>“After elections, particularly when a government has taken the oath of office, we expect everybody to support and bring their ideas on board for Bayelsa to grow and become prosperous. That is why we tagged our government the Prosperity Administration.</p><p></p><p>“So, today marks the end of all the litigations. If anybody wants to further appeal, maybe he can appeal to the court of the devil. But, constitutionally, I believe this is the end of all the litigations.</p><p>“Once again, I call on my brothers that had gone on this appeal to join hands with the government of the day. And what should be uppermost on our mind should be the interest of Bayelsa and not individual and personal interest.</p><p>“Of course, it is their right to take their matter to the end. However, I call on my brothers on the other side, who are not my enemies but political adversaries, so to speak, to join hands with our government and ensure that we bring development and prosperity to our people.”</p><p>The Bayelsa governor commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria and other justices of the Supreme Court for their professionalism and for again displaying that the court was the last hope of the common man by standing on the side of the rule of law.</p><p>He also urged the Bayelsa people not to despair due to the challenges of the time.</p><p>“The times are hard. We are in tough times in the face of COVID-19, which is still threatening, and the dwindling resources of our country and of our state.</p><p>“We are still believing God that has divinely put us in the position of leadership to also provide the divine resources for us to develop and prosper in Bayelsa and in Nigeria.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p></p><p>“So, my message to Bayelsans is that there is hope for us and prosperity is coming to Bayelsa. Nobody should despair.</p><p>“This is the time for us to bring our ideas to the table. This is the time for us to actually walk the talk and look at issues dispassionately without sentiments and emotions, in order to bring development and prosperity to our state.”</p><div><br></div><div class="code-block code-block-2"></div><div class="jeg_share_bottom_container"></div></div></div><div class="jeg_ad jeg_article jnews_content_bottom_ads "><div class="ads-wrapper "><div class="ads_google_ads"><ins class="adsbygoogle adsslot_Ra6B22CXHq" data-ad-client="pub-5427118661119423" data-ad-slot="<script async src=" pagead2.googlesyndication.com="" pagead="" js="" adsbygoogle.js"="" data-adsbygoogle-status="done"><ins id="aswift_4_expand"></ins></ins></div></div></div></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-9481452365141628782020-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:002020-11-18T07:51:40.737-08:00FOSTER ORGANIZES MEDIA PARLEY FOR SENSITIZATION ON PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL With a view to promote laudable ideas towards passing the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which had scaled through second reading before the National Assembly, a body <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>called "Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria, FOSTER" has organized a one day media parley for community based media isoutfits in order to fast track information disemination and opinion moulding in their respective states and communities to have their views represented in the bill.<div>The one day parley held on Thursday, 12th of November 2020 in the conference Hall of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts at Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital, had over fifty media houses in attendance.</div><div>In his welcome remarks and rationale, Mr. Eke Epia of OrderPaper said that the people of the Niger Delta who are host communities to Oil Companies in the country have benefitted nothing from the proceeds of the Oil and Gas dominated economy. Instead of benefits, he said, the region had suffered amongst other things environmental degradation, environmental population, oil spills, unemployment, denial of opportunities to involvment in the Oil and gas businesses.</div><div>He went on to explain further that the Oil and Gas in the soil of the Niger Delta had been like a curse to the people because of violent activities occasioned by denial of rights, agitations, oppression, militarization and and all the circumstances of unpalatable consequences in the region and called on the media to play her role in these words:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"Every of the newspapers we publish carry a message a message as important as the messages or stories we read in every other medium in the world.</div><div>"So, it is important for the media in the Niger Delta to look critically into the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and contribute meaningful ideas to involve, include or give a place for host communities in the bill..." Mr.Epia emphasized.</div><div>Also speaking, Michael Uzoigwe, PhD expressed appreciation for the turn out of attendees and urged them to consider themselves as partners to revamp the oil sector.</div><div><br></div><div>He said when FOSTER started, 2011, the level of the oil sector was very low, because those in power didn't allow the PIB to be passed. So, civil societies, the media and others were engaged to study the problem and to find solutions. He highlighted some of the problems as follows!</div><div>* We need to do somethings particularly and especially development host communities in the Niger Delta.</div><div>*The budget need to be enough for the development of the Niger Delta.</div><div>*The laws are archaic and need to be changed.</div><div>*We have to work together, and share ideas.</div><div>And to solve these problems, he said, everyone has his role to play either as media leader and as a person from the region. Hear this:</div><div>"What is the role for me as a media leader or as a person, how do we convey these messages to the communities and the nation? he posited</div><div>Throwing more light to the subject matter, Uzoigwe made a revelation that:</div><div>"The PIB had not received host communities involvement, and the bill has passed second reading, opinion moulding is the function of the media, so you need to know what is around you or what is going on, so as to adequatly enlighten and educate the masses."</div><div>Engr. Joe Nwakwue spoke on the title PIB and the deal for host communities took an overview of issues about the Niger Delta which he said is the widest wetland in Africa, and pointed out that in Nigeria nine states make the Niger Delta Region with challenges such as:</div><div>Degradation, Infrastructural challenges, Oil spills, lose of mangroves, gas flaring, shoreline erosion etc.</div><div>Engr. Nwokwue traced the history of Oil production and it's challenges to the 1950s. Read:</div><div>"We have been talking about Oil spills in 1957 which affect plant life, pipeline corrosion and blow out, equipment failures, pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries, and bunkering amongst others.</div><div>"In 2018, about 25,000 barrels of crude oil was spilled into the Niger Delta environment, the water was polluted. the trees that protect the eco-system were also destroyed including fishes."</div><div>He spoke about the dangers of gas flaring and said, Nigeria in 2019 flared 325 billions of gas and aimed to reduce flare by 2020 to 20%. He went further to say that gas flare contributed to global warming, and the endemic poverty suffered by host communities in the Niger Delta, in the areas of health hazards, it confuses and disorientates norcturnal animals, it degrades building materials eg. roofing sheets and blocks. A fisherman and his catch, oil in the belly of the fish brings diseases, cancer etc.</div><div>Oil pollution destroys the mainstay of the people which is fishing and farming, Engr. Nwakwue explained.</div><div>He noted that the Federal Government took measures to address the challenges of the Niger Delta Region at different times and in the following ways:</div><div>"Government attributed the under-development to the terrain and came up with:</div><div>*Oil Miniral Producing Areas Commission (OMPADEC)</div><div>*Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).</div><div>*Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) to co-ordinated and to formulate policies to better the lot of the region, but that did solve the problem, that is why according to him the PIB has become a child of necessity to change the narrative of the Nigerian economic history. Quote:</div><div>"PIB is one of the oldest bills at the National Assembly to make the Oil and Gas sector more transparent, increase the Oil derivation to 13% is an attempt by the Federal Government to develop Oil Producing communities in the Niger Delta, but the PIB with the integration of host communities will bring peace and development to all sectors."</div><div>Media Intervention and Community Engagement Strategy, Monday Ashibogwu said the media indeed has a challenge to reach out with information on the subject matter which is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that is before the National Assembly to be passed into Law, but called on the to the as national and not just about the Niger Delta, because it is a national affair. Hear him:</div><div>"... when I talk about Oil, I talk about communities, all Oil bearing communities, in other words, host communities not just the Niger Delta, because every part of this country has been shortchanged.</div><div>We have separate emotions from the job, this PIB we are talking about has taken 19 years to be passed. As Journalists we need to make enough research before coming out with our stories but mostly with national content and national interest; especially on national issues like the PIB we are talking about."</div><div>He said Niger Delta Journalists should avoid sensationalism in writing their stories, they should understand that those that will read them are not ordinary people; but personalities of high standing, he therefore urged practitioners to ensure that their news content or narratives are always right and objective.</div><div>Hear him:</div><div>"It is not the best to be hot tempered while writing, threat is not the answer, but issue based factual report makes rational and objective journalism, while those who threatened authority attract Governments watchful eyes or descending on them.</div><div>He also called on the Niger Delta Journalists to separate propaganda from news and while writing a story not to make the mistake of putting a wrong picture or failing to check the facts before publishing. He used the medium to emphasize the importance of the use of words in journalism with avoidance of untrue stories and rumour mongering. </div><div>High point of the parley was that, though oil gas had been the air Nigeria breaths through the Niger Delta there had not been enough benefit to be proud about for a number of reasons:</div><div>*We have severe balance between the center and the sub national units.</div><div>* Nigeiria does not know and don't care to know the overall function of oil and gas to the nation's economy.</div><div>* As Nigeiria is growing productivity should have been growing too; but we have become unproductive, because we fight over what we have instead of producing, even if the cake is fading we don't care.</div><div>*Nigeiria created a oil and gas exporting business, not oil producing, and that was what we were doing in 1950, that is what we are doing in 2020.</div><div>*If you see the FAAC figure you may not be comfortable with the people of the Niger Delta, but 'some of the money went into audio' it never got to the region.</div><div>* We need environmental laws for oil and gas companies to live with host communities.</div><div>*The PIB is expected to give peace and devolopment to all oil and gas host communities wbich the Federal Goverment had been yearning to achieve for many years.</div><div>The Media practitioner as a resolutely declared support for the PIB to be passed to Law without further delay for the peace and prosperity of the nation.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-12097668928366402422020-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:002020-11-15T10:52:14.256-08:00LATEST ON OML 29: AITEO BAGS QUIT NOTICE FROM OPU NEMBE-BASSAMBIRI KINGDOM<div>The Opu Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri) Kingdom in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has declared <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>From Right Chief </i>(<i>Prof.) D.K Derri of Opu Nembe Chiefs Council & Benedict Peters,</i> <i>the Aiteo Boss left</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>AITEO Eastern Exploration and Producing Limited persona non grata in its domain as a result of the draconian and mafia- like manner the company has been operating the OML 29.<br></div><div><div id="m1176452141589410301" class="mail-message expanded"><div class="mail-message-content collapsible zoom-normal mail-show-images "><div class="clear"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto">The Chiefs and the entire people of the kingdom announced this at the weekend, while addressing a world press conference at the 1st Nembe town hall.in Nembe Bassambiri.<br></div><div dir="auto">Reading the address, Chief (Prof.) Damfebo Kieriseiye Derri said that the chiefs, elders, women, youths and the people of Opu-Nembe vehemently rejected AITEO on its operation of OML 29 right from when Shell Petroleum Development Company surreptitiously sold the OML 29 to AITEO without recourse to the host Communities' equitable rights.<br></div><div dir="auto">His words: </div><div dir="auto">"...that the operational lease of OML 29 held by Aiteo having expired on 30th June 2019, notwithstanding the illegal secretive renewal by the then Minister Ibe Kachukwu, we called for its immediate relinquishment to Government, followed by a transparent competitive bidding process to ensure transparency, favourable fiscal terms to Government and host communities, untainted funding sources and superior operational capacity.<br></div><div dir="auto">"That the Federal Government-owned Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) should take over operatorship of OML 29, pending when a new, competent and community friendly operator takes over.<br></div><div dir="auto">"That any purported renewal of the lease after 30th June 2019 when the present lease expired is invalid and as such Aiteo became a trespasser and persona non grata in the OPU- Nembe domain and will therefore not be accorded any social licence to operate going forward."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>A cross section of Chiefs Council members at the world press conference</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto">Prof. Derri noted that because of Aiteo's recalcitrant behavior towards the land and people of the host communities, subjecting them to abject neglect and poverty, the women and youths went on a peaceful demonstration to register their grievances at the Santa Barbara Flow Station and the Odeama Field Flow Station for days, but that Aiteo did not respond to their needs nor listened to them.<br></div><div dir="auto">He emphasized that as a peace loving and law-abiding kingdom they adopted a civilised methods of seeking reddress through lawsuits, and petitions to the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, NAPIMS, NNPC, NOSDRA and the NCDMB, adding that they were fed-up with the fraudulent top executives they had no alternative than to issue Aiteo quit notice to stop operations immediately, vacate the land forthwith and stop trespassing the land.<br></div><div dir="auto">They accused Aiteo of fraudulently using companies fronting for top executives to award overinflated contracts to themselves thereby brazenly circumventing the Local Content Act, denying the Federal Government on JV partners on operational cost, and of denying communities of over 90% statutorily reserved contracts.<br></div><div dir="auto">Prof. Derri added that Nembe Bassambiri's economy was further strangulated by Aiteo's refusal to pay few sub-contractors as well as non payment of surveillance contractors/workers and vendors for over a year all in a bid to render them "weak" and replace them with their proxies.<br></div><div dir="auto">Inundating the environment with repeated and prolonged oil spillages and blow-out fires due to recklessness, inefficient and hazardous oil field practices in addition to refusal to clean ups, failed or refused to remediate and pay compensations.<br></div><div dir="auto">Chief Derri who is a Professor of Law graphically gave a blow by blow accounts of how and why Aiteo was given a red card to quit their OML29 fields of operation. Hear this:</div><div dir="auto">" Fraustrated and exasperated, we the Community leadership in solidarity with our protesting people have to address this press conferenc, to issue this QUIT NOTICE to Aiteo and their fraudulent front contractors, so they can stop trespassing on our territory and leave promptly.<br></div><div dir="auto">"In brief, Aiteo's crimes which continue to stretch host communities to breaking point, besides other deep grievances we already presented in court agianst Aiteo, are:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>Gentle men of the Press in attendance at the historic world press conference</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto">"The fraudulent use of companies (some named below) beneficially belonging to fronts for executives of Alteo to award highly inflated contracts covering almost all activities to themselve, thereby brazenly routinely circumventing the Local Content Act, fleecing and defrauding the Federal Government as JV partners on operational costs, denying communities over 90% of community contracts statutorily reserved for them and subletting a solitary few to one or two community members at a fraction of the JV invoiced values through such front companies</div><div dir="auto">"Strangulating the communities already streched subsistence economy by owing even the few sub-contractors community members for years and months, including surveillance contractor/workers protecting their pipelines and vendors supplying food to their workers, in the process rendering them so weak to "justify" replacing them with more proxies or middle men;</div><div dir="auto">"Employing negligible numbers of community people, on casual employment at that and deplorable terms of pay and working conditions, including poor safety provisions;</div><div dir="auto">" Inundating our environment with repeated, massive, prolonged oil spillages and blow-out fires due to possibly most reckless, inefficient and hazardous oil field practice - refusing to clean up, remediate and pay compensation for years;</div><div dir="auto">"Deceiving communities by pretending over and over to seek settlement, only to go back again on all understandings and compromises reached;</div><div dir="auto">Refusing to negotiate a fair MOU with the kingdom since it came over 5 years ago, and failing continuously on mere courtesies like diesel supplies for communities, throwing them back into thick darkness.</div><div dir="auto">" It's move to arrange a site for deadly chemicals waste dump on our land, without proper community engagement or an environmental impact assessment.</div><div dir="auto">" For the records, OML 29 is the crown Jewel of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, both in terms of production volumes and its singular heritage as the source of the first commercial oil production and shipment by Nigeria, from Oloibiri oil well 1, Otuabagi' in Ogbia LGA. The bloc remains till this day the most prolific onshore bloc I. Nigeria, at present production rates in the range of 100,000 (one hundred thousand) barrels of oil per day. Even at current oil prices, OML 29 has been generating close on #700 billion per annum for Government and its joint venture partners virtually nothing from this.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div dir="auto"><i>Photo of Oil Spill at OML29, Aiteo refused to clean up</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto">" In 2014, before the divestment, we tried to engage with Shell but were brushed aside. We then brought our plight and grievances to the attention of Government via the then Minister of Petroleum Resources, the then President and other authorities, including ... a couriered petition and a full page advertorial inThisday, demanding that statutory consent to the divestment be withheld until the grave concerns of the host kingdom(s) were resolved. We were snubbed. With no due diligence whatsoever conducted on these issues and without granting us fair or any hearing at all, as constitutionally guaranteed, Government and shell and Aiteo went ahead with the shrouded and suspicious transaction.</div><div dir="auto">"Consequently, as lovers of peace, we took a collective decision as Chiefs and people of Opu Nembe Kingdom to seek appropriate redress to Federal High Court in suit No FHC/YNG/CS/62/2015 and to, amongst other reliefs, forestall the renewal of OML 29 pending when our grievances are adressed.</div><div dir="auto">"That matter is pending in court. But in what seems now to have been an attempt to slow down the court process, though ostensibly in response to our quest for amicable settlement almost a year earlier, a meeting was called by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on December, 12th 2018, with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Federal Ministry of Justice, Shell and Aiteo attending under the pretext of exploring an amicable settlement. It was resolved at the meeting that our demands should be properly outlined, which we did many times and forwarded to the authorities.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>Community embarks on peaceful protest to Aiteo flow station</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto"> It was also sounded clearly at the meeting that, failing a timely resolution of the issues, Aiteo and its contractors would be presenting themselves as trespassers in our territory from 1st July 2019, upon expiration of OML 29 the day prior.</div><div dir="auto">" While the attempted settlement was swept under the carpet for months, it came to our notice by a publication on page 86 of THISDAY Newspaper dated Sunday 24th February 2019 that Aiteo in total disregard of the pending suit or settlement went ahead to pay the sum of $82 million (equivalent to about #37 Billion) to process the renewal of OML 29 in cahoots with the Resources (DPR). This was also despite several caveats served on the immediate past Minister of state for Petroleum Resources against any backdoor attempt to renew the lease. Does this not signal that oil companies and Government are above the law, that they consider our resort to the law courts as a futile exercise, and therefore encourage aggrieved communities to sieze redress through unorthodox methods?</div><div dir="auto">"We were later in 2019 invited to Accra, Ghana by the self-exiled Executive Vice Chairman and Founder of the Aiteo Group. Mr Benedict Peters, for a meeting to find an amicable resolution. Understandings were reached on some of the issues, including the need for a proper environmental assessment and a framework for sustainable community intergration.</div><div dir="auto">A committee was set up to agree modalities and resolve outstanding issues. However, Aiteo quickly reneged and abandoned the process once we landed back in Nigeria. The attitude of Aiteo's top management is that host communities can go to hell becausu, from their body language, they have the means (obviously from the proceeds of oil and gas in our soil) to co-opt successive political influencers and partner/regulatory agencies.</div><div dir="auto">"With Aiteo's abuses growing unbearably worse in addition to the grievances we had taken to court, we decided in June last year to declare the operator a trespasser that would no longer be tolerated in our domain from 30tb June 2019 when its lease would expire. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div dir="auto"><i>A cross section of placard carrying protesters at Aiteo</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto">Suddenly desperate, Aiteo begged to be given one week to meet with Kingdom's legal representatives and make good on our grievances. Almost one and a half year later, Aiteo's one week does not seem to be over. We can no longer hold back, as a severely threatened people.</div><div dir="auto">"We do not wish to delve into our claims in pending lawsuit, but are constrained by the continuing aggravations to make this public address, especially as Aiteo's antecedents and regulatory romances make us wonder if there is any point going to court or the industry's supervisory agencies on the avalanche of reapeated violations. </div><div dir="auto">The protracted fraustrations and impact on our subsistent local economy can potentially ignite a volcanic crisis. For example, Aiteo's insider trading is a violent violation of all known corporate governance codes, and would attract swift stock exchange sanctions for Aiteo and it's executives if the company were a publicly quoted company. Yet, from NAPIMS and others to NCDMB, the local Content regulator, all the industry supervisors repeatedly notified of this sordid practice quietly looked the other way.</div><div dir="auto">"Aiteo therefore continues operating OML 29 like a mafia organisation. The proxy companies used by Aiteo include Cavendish Mechanical Nig Ltd (a company Mr Benedict Peters also confirmed is owned by Francis Peters/his brother, the DMD), Hydra Intergrated Energy Services Ltd, Keves Global and Aviam Offshore Services Ltd. These companies who now execute most of the servicing contracts arising from OML 29 somehow do not experience the same payment frustrations the few local contractors have been subjected to by Aiteo.</div><div dir="auto">"Recently, Asset Marine Ltd, a company associated with executives and agents of Aiteo has taken over all surveillance contracts in the Nembe area. Asset Marine then subcontractor to a few local contractors and others at a much lower rate. Put simply, Asset Marine rakes billions of Naira without doing anything, in the process short-changing its joint venture partner- NNPC and by extension the Federal Government and the Nigeria people. A similar scheme is run on supply of boats to Aiteo using another front, Canvendish. Yet, even the local surveillance contractors are not paid for months, triggering a chain of reaction as the young people who actually do the highly risky work in the creeks do not get paid too. Imagine this kind of provocation in the creeks!</div><div dir="auto">" The implication is that the Federal Government may unwittingly be paying 100% or nearly so of the operational costs is OML 29, instead of it's 55% JV stake. In the meantime, cash calls received by the company and other proceeds from this Oil Bloc in the Nembe Se territory are diverted through carefully crafted schemes to fund lavish jet-setting lifestyles and the acquisition of lucrative mining assets across Africa, for example the $1billion platinum mine Zimbabwe just acquired by the Benedict Peters-owned Bravura Holdings Ltd,as reported by Nigeria's Businessday newspaper days ago, 11th November. And the impoverished host communities of ijawland and Niger Delta, like Opu Nembe Kingdom,are expected to be looking on and clapping.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><i>Another placard carrying group of protesters at Aiteo</i></div><div dir="auto"><i><br></i></div><div dir="auto">" As earlier stated, the incompetent manner this prized assets is operated has also caused several oil spills in our Kingdom, some of which are now receiving attention from NOSDRA following the petitions of our lawyers, though they remain uncleaned and unremediated over a year after. At this rate, the mere remnants of our ecological resources and natural livelihoods may completely vanish during the remaining two and a half years of President Muhhamadu Buhari's term in office, thanks to Aiteo.</div><div dir="auto">" Consequently we declare as follows:</div><div dir="auto">" That the operational lease of OML 29 held by Aiteo having expired on 30th June 2019, notwithstanding the illegal secretive renewal by then Minister Ibe Kachikwu, we call for its immediate relinquishment to Government, followed by transparent competitive bidding process for its re-award, to ensure transparency, favourable fiscal terms to Government and host communities, untainted funding sources, and superior operational capacity.</div><div dir="auto">"That the Federal Government-owned Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) should take over operatorship of OML 29, pending when a new, competent and community friendly operator takes over.</div><div dir="auto">" That any purported renewal of the lease after 30th June 2019 when the present lease expired is invalid and as such Aiteo became a trespasser and persona non grata in the Opu Nembe domain and will therefore not be accorded any social licence to operate going forward.</div><div dir="auto">"That Government and other accountability watchdogs, local and International, should thoroughly investigate allegations that Aiteo is engaging in national economic sabotage and undermining Nigeria's interest, as well as dealing a fatal blow on the local economies of it's host communities, by hollowing out proceeds from OML29 fund massive acquisition in the mining sector in other African countries like Congo, Zimbabwe and Ghana where Benedict Peters is presently exiled.</div><div dir="auto">" That we note with interest Mr President's recent revocation of 6 oil Bloc licences for non-payment to FG, such being against the National interest. We draw parallels with OML29 vis-a-vis both host community and national interests, especially in this era of maximum domestic revenue mobilization as an economic policy thrust for African countries.</div><div dir="auto">"That this press release serves as a Quit Notice to Aiteo, effective 14th November 2020. Aiteo is no longer welcome afterwards .</div><div dir="auto">" That the new operators should renegotiate lease terms for community land required for operations, and terms for community content/participation, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.</div><div dir="auto">"We have hereby put Aiteo, the Nigerian Government, Bayelsa State Government and the World on notice, for the survival and protection of the Opu Nembe (Nembe-bassambiri) kingdom. Thank you and God bless..."</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"> </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><br></div></div></div></div><div class="mail-message-footer spacer collapsible"></div></div><div id="conversation-footer" class="spacer"></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-49559797074570033572020-11-11T21:31:00.000-08:002020-11-11T21:31:14.726-08:00BAYELSA HAD CEDED NO DROP OF OIL/INCH OF BOUNDARY LAND AT OLUASIRI TO RIVERS STATE - BIRIYAI DAMBO The Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Bayelsa State, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Biriyai Dambo had told Bayelsans and the world that the Bayelsa State <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Government had not ceded any drop of Oil from the Oluasiri Oil Wells nor an inch of the land at the boundary area to Rivers State on account of the court cases between the two.sister states.<div>He stated this in an exclusive interview with the Golden Pen Newspaper print and online in his office at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.</div><div>Biriyai Dambo who is the Chief Law Officer of Bayelsa State, spoke on a wide range of issues concerning the boundary disputes and court cases between the two sister states Rivers and Bayelsa 24 years after biforcation.</div><div>FULL TEXT OF THE INTERVIEW</div><div>Excerpts: </div><div>Intro. My name is Otonye Evans Tubonah, Publisher/Editor-in- Chief Golden Pen Newspaper print and online based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.<div> Interestingly Bayelsa was created out of Rivers State 24 yeara ago, and the National Boundary Commission within these lengthy years had not been able to delineate the boundary between the two sister states, which has caused disaffection, crisis and litigations, What can you tell Bayelsans and the world, about this boundary matter between Rivers and Bayelsa States?i</div><div>AG/CJ: Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to inform you of what has actually transpired, I am Biriyai Dambo (SAN) the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice Bayelsa State.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>On the boundary issue, if you could recall sometime in 2012 or 2009 precisely, Rivers State took Bayelsa State to the Supreme Court where they invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and sued Bayelsa State in respect of the boundary, on the premise that the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States is Santa Barbara, while Bayelsa State claims that the boundary is St. Bartholomew.</div><div>But I can recall that there had been areas administrative maps, the then current administrative map was the 11th administrative map, which gave the boundary or which delineated the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States at St. Bartholomew.</div><div>And there are a lot of records to show.that that is the right position of the boundary.</div><div>It would be recalled again, while the Rivers people call it "Soku" the Bayelsa people call it "Oluasiri". And if you look at the Oil Wells we are talking about, they are in Oluasiri and not even in Soku.</div><div>From Oluasiri Nembe of Bayelsa State to the Oil Wells is just a stone throw, but from Soku of Kalabari to the same Oil Wells takes about an hour so, on what basis are they now claiming that the Oil Wells belong to them.?</div><div>Let me go back to the case filed by the Rivers State Government on the 10th of July 2012.</div><div>I could remember, I was even in thàt team.</div><div>Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) represent Bayelsa and Fagbemi (SAN) represented Rivers State in that case. You see, at the end of the day, what the Supreme Court said was that the action was premature and strucked out the case and pronounced that the National Boundary Commission which has the responsibility to delineate boundaries within the entire country should go back and delineate the appropriate boundary for the two sister states. "...the Supreme Court cannot now relocate to that place, so they had to rely on whatever the boundary Commission comes up with as the result or position by the National Boundary Commission."</div><div>And that was what transpired, so the status-quo was maintained, St Bartholomew was still recognized as the actual boundary, and the funds.were still being paid to Bayelsa State from 2012, up until the 16th of September, 2019 when surreptitiously Rivers State went to Federal High Court and obtained a judgement by sueing the National Boundary Commission without joining Bayelsa State who is the party actually affected by any decision that would have come up from that.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>They sued Bayelsa State, they got judgement against the National Boundary Commission and now wanted to enforce that judgement against Bayelsa State Government. </div><div>"You cannot save a man's face at his back" that is what Abiola said, you see!</div><div>So, let me say, what was the purport of the judgement? It was quite funny, and a surprise, that the Federal High Court to come up with that kind of judgement, what was it, that there was a letter written by National Boundary Commission on the 3rd of July, 2002 allegedly admitting that they made a mistake in the 11th adminstrative map which gave the boundary between both States at St. Batholomew.</div><div>So, they said that letter stipulated that there was a mistake in the 11th adminstrative map, and as a result of that seeming mistake alleged mistake, that the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa is now St. Batholomew, that was what the judge said.</div><div>He deemed that mistake now in favour of Rivers State, because if you look at it, even that letter came up before the supreme Court, it came up, it was in the judgement but there was no pronouncement, they just said there was a mistake, and that alleged mistake does not presuppose that if the Boundary Adjustment Commission goes back, it will now move the boundary from St. Bartholomew to Santa Babara which Rivers State is now alleging.</div><div> That seeming admission they were talking about, I mean the judge was talking about, was not in it's true sense an admission to say that the boundary has been moved from St. Batholomew to Santa Barbara there was no prouncement like that.</div><div>Ques: You said when Rivers State sued Bayelsa State at the Supreme Court in 2009, 2012 'the Supreme Court made a declaration on the boundary matter that the status quo should be maintained', is it in the legal system that a lower court such as a Federal High Court has tha power to retry a case concluded by the Supreme Court?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Ans: You see, it's not it's not done. It's like an anatema, it's not trite in law, but Rivers did. They wanted to be smarter by that, but what they did was because they knew that if they had joined Bayelsa State, in that suit, the Federal High Court wouldn't have had jurisdiction, it would have been a matter between the two states, the matter would have gone back to the supreme Court, and you know what the Supreme Court would have done? </div><div>The supreme Court would have lambasted them, and said that well, we had told you to go and do something, have you done it?</div><div> So, what Rivers State did, was that they did not join Bayelsa, they now went to the Federal High Court and got that judgement.</div><div>Ques: They went to the court with the boundary Commission isn't it?</div><div>Ans: Yes!, they went to the Federal High Court with the Boundary Commission, which of origin had a court judgement premissed on the letter of 3rd of July 2002, the court now pronounced that since, the National Boundary Commission had said there was a mistake on the administrative map they are now deeming that letter as the basis to now say the boundary is Santa Barbara, that the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa is now Santa Barbara and that the National Boundary Commission should go and correct it in the 12th administrative map, is that done?</div><div> When they had not gone to the field, so like I said, you cannot save a man's head at his back.</div><div> This thing came to the knowledge of Bayelsa after the judgement was delivered, Bayelsa did not know anything. So Bayelsa immediately went to Court, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal if initially we brought our application at the Federal High Court as to join as an interested party, and a motion was filed for stay, but you know the thing was delayed for a very long time, so we now went to the Court of Appeal to file similar application. Even after filing this application on the face of the law, and looking at the high position of the law, when an application of stay is before a Court whether the application has been granted or not, there is victorious authority to show that parties must maintain status quo, but instead of that, we don't know what happened, whether it was pressure or whatever the Revenue mobilization Commission was insistent on executing that judgement on behalf of Rivers State Government on paying the funds, derived from the federation account to Rivers State.</div><div> So, the Bayelsa State Government said No! It was on that basis, we even wrote to the Federal Revenue mobilization Commission, giving them the legal position that look, something like this cannot be done. This matter is Lispendis, is in court and there is a motion for stay, so there is no basis for you to pay .</div><div>When we saw that all these efforts were not yielding fruits, we now had to invoke the original jurisdiction by approaching the supreme Court by sueing the Federation which is represented by the Attorney General of the Federation, we sued both the Attorney General and the Rivers State, that was how that matter came about.</div><div>So, it was because of the pressure, and it paid up because what now happened, the Revenue Allocation Commission could not make the payment to Rivers State, so they now sat back and instead, what they did was that the they escrowed the source, which was not good enough, because they are still infracting the law, but good enough they didn't pay the money to Rivers State, but it's not good enough for us.</div><div> So, when we went to the supreme Court, this is where I want people to know, that the fact that we went to the Supreme Court does not mean that the procedures we took was totally out of place, the procedure is yielding result, because the funds were not paid to Rivers State, but escrowed. So, I want people to get it clear that the Supreme Court did not say that it does not have jurisdiction to try that matter, but what the Supreme Court said was that look, "..there was already a matter pending at the Court of Appeal, now you have asked for some reliefs that have some bearing to that initial judgement which the Federal High Court granted, for which you have filed for a stay, now if we grant your reliefs in the Supreme Court, what happens to that matter which is pending at the Court of Appeal, then we will be overreaching the Court of Appeal."</div><div>And now even at the end of the day, if the Court of Appeal comes up with any other judgement contrary to what the Supreme Court will give it all means that the judgement will become an academic exercise, and more so the subject matter of both cases still bother on that Federal High Court judgement.'</div><div>But, you see, the way we look at it was that we are now sueing the Federation and the Attorney General of the Federation, all the agencies of goverment under the Federation.</div><div> So, what we wanted to do is that the Federation now be restrained, so when we restrained the Federation, we are restraining all the other agencies including the Revenue mobilization allocation Commission from doing anything, because they were insisting on doing what is not trite in law.</div><div>Ques: Are you saying, Rivers State was trying to pass through the back door?</div><div>Ans: Yes! through the back door, exactly what I wanted to tell you today is that this is an issue that if Rivers State had co-operated, from the unset by complying with the directives of the National Boundary Commission in 2012 that both parties should come to a round table so that all the parties can go and then abide by the directives of the pronouncements of the Supreme Court, by going back there to properly delineate so that the 12th administrative map, the proper position could have come out.</div><div>But you know, Rivers State knew that it wouldn't have favoured them so they avoided it, because the position is clear that the documents and everything are in favour of Bayelsa State.</div><div>Ques: You mean you have the relevant documents, to win the case?</div><div>Ans: Yes! we have pletora of documents, Nembe has pletora of documents. Rivers and Bayelsa are sister states and we shouldn't wash our dirty linings in public. What we are doing right now is showing the whole world, that two states which are sister states, are now having issues, issues that can be resolved amicably.</div><div>So, that is the position if you look at it, if the National Boundary Commission had done it's job there wouldn't be any need for all this imbroglio. All these things are happening to us, because we are taking ourselves to Court.</div><div>Ques: This is 24 years since Bayelsa was created out of Rivers State, but the National Boundary Commission is yet to demarcate or delineate the boundary between the two sister states, is the delay not politically motivated?</div><div>Ans: I wouldn't want to hold forth for them, but to be fair, the National Boundary Commission as an agency of government, when the Supreme Court came up with that pronouncement on the 10th of July 2012, they were willing to work.</div><div>They went to both States, that we should come, that was 2013, they said, both States should come so that they will do the needful and determine the true position of the boundary, but Rivers State refused, Rivers State frustrated the process.</div><div>Ques: Wasn't that the regime of Rotimi Amaechi as Governor and Tele Ikuru as deputy Governor and deputy Governor of Rivers State?</div><div>Ans: Yes! it was Amaechi's regime, they frustrated everything. So we are surprised that Rivers State being a sister state surreptitiously went behind us</div><div>and got such a judgement and wanted to execute the judgement against Bayelsa State, is not proper, we.are brothers, we are sister states.</div><div>Que: Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, it had been widely orchestrated that some Oil Wells and boundary communities of Oluasiri in Bayelsa State were being attributed or transferred to Rivers State in judgement by a Federal High Court. What is your reaction to that?</div><div>Ans: The Oluasiri people have been where they are from time immemorial.</div><div>These Oil Wells if you look at it as I have already said, are in Oluasiri. Even if you look at the demography, you will see that the disputed Oil Wells are in Oluasiri. There is no pronouncement today, that's why I want even the common man and those that actually understand the intricacies or the legal implications of all these Court matters to understand that "OLUASIRI" as Bayelsa calls it, and "SOKU" as Rivers people calls it, had not ceded to Rivers State; emphasis had not ceded a drop of Oil from the Oluasiri Oil Wells or an inch of the land of Nembe in Bayelsa State to Rivers State on account of the boundary Court cases between the two sister states.</div><div> Monies are not being paid to Rivers State.</div><div>This matter is still lispendi (still in Court) so we should be patient and they should be patient.</div><div>At the end of the day this miracle goverment, a government that is all about God and the people, the beneficiaries of these Oil Wells which is Oluasiri in Bayelsa State will smile at the end of the day.</div><div>We are not pertubed at all, we are not worried about all these legal 'gragra' or jargons, but we will get to the nitty gritty of the matter, and by the time we get to the nitty gritty of the matter things will begin unfolding that we have documents, we have evidence, undisputable evidence, historic facts to establish our case, and we shall so establish.</div><div>One thing I will tell Bayelsans is that the Governor of the State, the miracle Governor is very much in this whole affair. He has put his heart and soul into it, because he knows that the disputed boundary area belongs to Bayelsa State and that is why he said he is going to do everything possible within his powers to ensure that this matter is not handled with kid gloves.</div><div>So, we are putting everything in place to ensure that at the end of the day we sustain our land, it's our land, because if we don't sustain it, our forefathers will never forgive us.</div><div>For this boundary matter, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has shown desirable sincere commitment, and as a listening and open minded Governor, he wants the boundary matter resolved.</div><div>So, Bayelsans shouldn't be scared because the matter is under control.</div><div>Golden Pen: On that note, we want to thank you sincerely for having time with us on this special interview.</div><div>AG/CJ Thank you!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-33951258583550535222020-11-06T07:02:00.000-08:002020-11-06T07:14:11.081-08:00WORKS COMMISSIONER ANTICIPATES BETTER FUTURE FOR BAYELSANSThe Hon. Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, ESV. Teibowei Moses has assured that the Prosperity Government led by Senator Douye Diri has concluded plans to spread infrastuctural development to the nooks and crannies of Bayelsa state.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>He gave the assurance while exchanging views with the Golden Pen Newspaper print and online in his office at the State Secretariat Yenagoa.</div><div>Works Commissioner Teibowei, who played host to some well meaning organizations and individuals used the medium to call on Bayelsans to be proactive with laudable ideas, creativity, business orientation and service delivery, which he described as keys to become development partners with the prosperity government.</div><div><div>The Works Commissioner who anticipates a better future for Bayelsa, the only all Ijaw state in the Nigerian federation, despite present challenges has this to say:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"Government business is going on smoothly with challenges here and there, but we are set to overcome whatever challenge that we face today, knowing and believing that all is going to be well."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div></div><div>Using the medium to appreciate some well meaning organizations and individuals working hand in hand with government for the well being and prosperity of the state said:</div><div>"Today, I met the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), I also met with the Exco. of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) with other set of people to rob mind and to see how to synergize to improve on the infrastructural development of our state" </div><div>On the flood situation in Bayelsa, he gave a ray of hope in these words:</div><div>"Though we cannot stop flood from affecting our communities, but we can do somethings to mitigate it. Flood is something that had been with us, but we are trying to work out a way to ensure that, Yenagoa the capital city of Bayelsa stops being flooded in the near future.</div><div>Government will try as much as possible to use our engineers and enviormentalists to develop means to mitigate the issue of flooding in the state capital and by extension take it to our communities in the various Local Government Areas."</div><div>Finally, he gave a graphic picture of some priority projects of the administration. Read on:</div><div>"The goal of the prosperity government led by Senator Douye Diri is to spread infrastructural development across the eighth Local Government even and to ensure that every area has a sense of belonging.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>" We shall do all things to bring prosperity to fruition and so, in terms of infrastructural development as I said earlier, we will spread even,.we will take on the three.senatorial roads, we will take on the Glory Land Drive and the AIT/Igbogene outer ring road and several other roads within Yenagoa City and other communities across the state."<br></div></div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-76409170159043340992020-10-30T05:26:00.000-07:002020-10-31T04:16:05.208-07:00 NIGERIA NEEDS PEACE NOT ANOTHER CIVIL WARThere has been so much disquiet in Africa's largest and most populous nation Nigeria, from the day of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, self acclaimed leader of Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) coming to the public space.<div>Mr. Kanu a young man who probably didn't see Nigerian soldiers or Biafran soldiers during the civil war in 1967-1970, and probably not having practical knowledge or experience on the bitter consequences of war in the massacre of millionss of souls, bombing, killing, maiming, looting and massive destruction of property, for which, he has for some years been beating the drums of war flagging the organization he calls Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) when Nigeria needs peace instead of war.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Mr. Kanu a Nigerian citizen of the Igbo race who claims to have denounced his citizenship of Nigeria, had come out with a defiance campaign against the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, calling himself the leader of a "Biafran Republic" that had been a figment of imagination thus creating division, disharmony and distrust amongst the people of Nigeria, creating much tension in different parts of the nation annually that occasion clashes between his group and the state authority, which in most cases resulted in lose of lives and property.</div><div>One cannot count the number of those who had fallen victim to the antics of the UK based propagandist.</div><div> Mr. Nnamdi Kanu operates like a propagandist taking advantage of his controversial radio Biafra station, wherby he gives controversial information, announcements and news that misled many youths to their early graves and others to sorrow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>During the #EndSars protest, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu sounded like, he was the overall Commander giving orders like a man ready for vengeance against perceived enemies, in the manner of an infuriated man, ready to cause a mayhem across the nation.</div><div>That was the scenario Nigerians found themselves as the self acclaimed Biafran leader, Mr. Kanu bombarded the airwaves with announcements through his radio Biafra, the new media and other networks. He commanded the protesters not to leave but to continue their protest. It was just like a battle Some of IPOB activities at EndSARS protest:</div><div>In Nnewi it was reported that:</div><div>"The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Director of Radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Tuesday, lent his voice to the nationwide agitation for ending Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force, advising the agitators to regist being compromised hear him:</div><div>"EndSARS campaign is leading in the right direction. Only three ingredients are needed now. They will throw money at the issue in the hope of buying people off the streets, but they must be registed."</div><div>"Consistency is viral at this stage. Don't allow mental fatigue to creep in. Momentum.has a multiplier effect. With momentum the movement becomes unstoppable.</div><div>"These three key ingredients will deliver victory. </div><div>After this, things will no longer be the same in Nigeria. I salute your courage..."</div><div>This was how Nnamdi Kanu instigated the peaceful EndSARS protesters to violence as recorded in some states.</div><div>In Ebonyi State, it was reported that the protest was not peaceful, but violent according to the Governor of the State who imposed curfew to stop 'attacks by hoodlums'.</div><div>"Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi made the curfew declaration in a State broadcast on Wednesday after several attack by hoodlums who destroyed some government and private properties."</div><div>In Abia state, it was reported that the life of the Governor was threatened to be arrested by the IPOB leader, as in:</div><div>"Kanu Urges Abia Youths to join EndSARS Protest, capture Gov. Ikpeazu." It reads:</div><div>"The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has urged the Youths of Ohafia, Abia state to join the ongoing EndSARS protest and capture the Governor of the State, Okezie Ikpeazu....".</div><div>Threatening to arrest the Governor of a state in a widely orchestrated 'peaceful protest' is suspicious like a 'handshake that went beyond the elbow'. </div><div>In Rivers State, Governor Nyesome Wike frowned at activities of IPOB the organization led by Nnamdi Kanu, and made an open declaration in these words,</div><div> "... members of the proscribed indigenous People Of Biafra ... can't use the State to launch attacks".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Governor Wike: "... recalled that since IPOB was classified as a terrorist organization by the Federal High Court in September 2017 by the Federal Government, the group has carried out intermittent processions in parts of Rivers State especially in Oyigbo and other notorious suburbs in Port Harcourt Local Government Area ... unleasing violence.</div><div>"The Rivers State Government had severally warned and even advised IPOB and it's members to discontinue it's insurrectional actions in Rivers State. </div><div>Instead IPOB unleashed another urgy of violence and destruction inflicted at Oyigbo area and parts of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Tuesday 21st October 2020.</div><div>"...this evil, wicked and audacious action resulted in the unnecessary loss of scores of lives, including soldiers and police officers..". Gov.Wike said.</div><div>The aforementioned are just 'a tip of the iceberg' compared to all the gruesome incidences of killing and looting that occurred across the nation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The position of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike's proscription of Biafrans in that State was widely supported by the Rivers people in view of the fact that Rivers State was never part of the Igbo States that were Biafra Republic, as declared by Odumegwu Ojukwu which led to the civil war in 1967-1970.</div><div>COL. OJUKWU APPOINTED AS MILITARY GOVERNOR</div><div>It was in 1966, then Head of State, Major General Aguyi Ironsi appointed Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu Military Governor of the Eastern Region,</div><div>but according to historical evidences:</div><div>" The Eastern Region, felt increasingly alienated from the Federal Military Government under Gowon.</div><div> Ojukwu's main proposal to end the ethnic strife was a significant devolution of power to the regions. The Federal Government initially agreed to this solution at a conference in January 1967 but then rejected soon afterward. </div><div>Ojukwu responded in March- April 1967 by separating the Eastern Regional Goverment's revenues from those of the Federal Government"</div><div>That at that point there were:</div><div>" Mounting secessionist pressures from his fellow Igbo finally compelled Ojukwu on May 30 1967 to declare the Eastern Region to an Independent sovreign State as the republic of Biafra.."</div><div>Consequent upon that divisive development, according to historical evidences, 'a civil war broke out which lasted to January 11, 1970 as Ojukwu surrendered.""But before Ojukwu declared his Biafran State, the then Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, created 12 States, which occasioned split of the Eastern Region to 3 namely: Rivers, South East and East Central.."</div><div>Rivers State was created for the Ijaw People, and an Ijaw man from Nembe, a Naval Officer, Commander Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff was appointed Military Governor of the State and was in the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the beginning to the end of the civil war.</div><div>It is also on record that, even that Ijaw freedom fighter of Kaiam<u>a</u> who led a 12 day revolution against the Federal Government, Isaac Adaka Boro was a Military Officer, a Major in the Nigerian army. So, Rivers and Bayelsa States were not and are not Biafra territories.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The civil war was dastardly, many fellow Nigerians were killed, some maimed, blinded, when the Nigerian Military ... launched operation."tail wind" it was unbearable which led to the escape of General Ojukwu to Cote d'Ivore, leaving behind his deputy, Major General Philip Effiong who surrendered to the Federal Government.</div><div> His broadcast:</div><div>"I, Philip Effiong do hereby declare I give not only my own personal assurances but those of my fellow officers, and colleagues and of the entire former Biafran people of our fullest co-operation and very sincere best wishes for the future.</div><div>"It is my sincere hope the lessons of the bitter struggle have been well learned by everybody and I would therefore like to take this opportunity to say that I, Major General Philip Effiong Officer administering the governmen<b>t</b> of the Republic of Biafra, now wish to make the following declaration:</div><div>" That we are firm, we are loyal Nigerian citizens and accept the authority of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria. That we accept the existing administrative and political structure of the Federation of Nigeria.</div><div>"That any future constitutional arrangement will be worked out by representatives of the people of Nigeria. That the Republic of Biafra hereby ceases to exist."</div><div>In response, Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon declared: </div><div>'No victor no vanquished"</div><div>General Gowon in an interview spoke as follows:</div><div>Excerpt: from the archive:</div><div>How are going to treat the Igbos:</div><div>Gowon: As far as I am concerned right from the beginning of this operation, we've never taken the Ibos as enemies as Ojukwu had made them to believe and has made the world to believe, as far as I am concerned, the Ibos will be treated as equal citizens in this country, there will be no secondary citizenship in Nigeria unless by their own behavior and performance, and this applies to any Nigerian whatsoever.</div><div>"The head and the heart is the only yardstick which can judge who will be a secondary citizen. Therefore the Ibos have nothing to be afraid of, they can be rest assured that they have a part to play in rebuilding the new Nigeria, which has just been born. Let them come, let them join hands with us, wherever they are and appeal to them, the Ibos at home and areas not liberated. Ibos abroad, Ibos everywhere, not to listen to the propaganda of foreign press, or propaganda of people who really don't care for their welfare. The Ibos have nothing to fear as far as I am concerned.</div><div>Let them come back home I have given them my word of honour. There will be amnesty for anyone who tries to come back and with that I am quite convinced, if they are ready to play their role properly, I think we will rebuild a new Nigeria where no man will be oppressed." </div><div>General Gowon in his integrity.received all former Biafrans into the Nigerian family with equal privileges.</div><div>When Ojukwu returned back to his home country Nigeria, in 1982 he was received directly into the Government party at that time, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was a staunch member without a jot of discrimination.</div><div>The Ikemba (1 ) as popularly called by his kinsmen, friends and well wishers, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu was elected as a Delegate to the 1994 Constitutional Conference convoced by Head of State, General Sani Abacha of blessed memory.</div><div>Under that arrangement, Ojukwu also with his people founded a political party of their own, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), this shows that the Ibos were well intergrated.</div><div>They were also well intergrated in terms of holding high political positions, the Igbo people have received their fair share as it is:</div><div>* Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe was Vice President of Nigeria.- </div><div>* Chuba Williams Okadigbo -.Senate President</div><div>* Evan Enwerem - Senate President</div><div>* Anyim Pius Anyim - Senate President</div><div>* Ngozi Okonjo Iweala - Finance Minister</div><div>* Oby Ezekwesili - Minister of Education</div><div>* Dora Akunyili Director Genaral NAFDAC and many others.</div><div>The Igbo people have been favoured in the creation of States, from two they now have five, so what do they want from Nigeria?</div><div>Why is it that none of the Igbo big wigs had said anything against the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB or Biafran Republic, which Mr. Nnamdi Kanu has been canvassing on their behalf as their leader over the years?</div><div>Why is it that even those big Igbo political leaders, including those in Government are mute over it, are they in support of IPOB or what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Nigeria had suffered a great lose no doubt from all angles.</div><div>We have lost our own children. We have lost so much, we lost our sons in the military, we lost our sons in the police and we lost our sons in the civilian population, yet we have to embrace peace, because Nigeria needs peace and not another civil war.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-46832537957948352092020-10-13T04:32:00.001-07:002020-10-13T05:08:09.170-07:00A MESSAGE TO THE OIL MINISTERYour Excellency, when I woke up this morning Tuesday 12th October 2020, it was like I had a great burden in my heart because of the uncertainty facing the people at the boundary area of Nembe Local Government in Bayelsa who's home are allegedly being transferred to Akukutoru LGA in Rivers State, by High Court Order.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>There is disquiet in the area, by that Court judgement secured by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, behind closed doors.</div><div> According to sources from the border areas, the judgement was a ploy to transfer their families and lands from their original traditional communities, LGA and State to a land that is not their own.</div><div>Your Excellency, this matter is connected to your Ministry, the Ministry of Petroleum, because it's all about oil and gas locations and fields, and greed is at work. You know the area, as a son of the soil, and as former Governor, but today, people who have their PVCS in wards and constituencies of Nembe Local Government Areas of Bayelsa are living in fear because of the said controversal Court judgement seeking their transfer.</div><div>Secondly, there is a mounting tension between the people of Nembe and AITEO over OML29.</div><div>The Company which according to community sources passed through Shell which aquired lands for the OML29 project with the Nembe Community and with an agreement, refused to involve the community in the renewal and have been in court with the host community for years, while they continue to do their oil and gas businesses without hindrance.</div><div>Your Excellency, you need to intervene in this matter as you did at Kula in Akukutoru, LGA in Rivers State, September, 2019.</div><div>Your intervention in the battle between Kula and Shell over billions of naira was settled peacefully. That's a feather on your hat, which you need to replicate in earnest.</div><div> Don't forget the adage: "What is good for the goose is also good for the gander".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div> Dear Oil Minister you have to take this message serious, visit the area make your personal investgations and see things yourself so that you will know how to fix some of these challenges.</div><div>Your Excellency, the Message is delivered.</div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-83443938256485037572020-10-13T01:34:00.000-07:002020-10-13T13:00:41.408-07:00MESSAGE OF APPRECIATIONThe newly appointed Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Local Governments Matters, Chief Kuroghofa W. Ben Wari had sent a message of appreciation to the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri for his appointment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>Chief Ben Wari in a chat with Golden Pen News, print and online thanked the Governor and those working closely with him for giving him the privilege to serve in the Prosperity Government.</div><div>He used the medium to thank all <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>those who sent Goodwill Messages to him from far and near, and wished them well in all their endeavors.</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-1191874511303085772020-10-12T23:53:00.000-07:002020-10-12T23:53:34.896-07:00MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION"I give glory to God Almighty for my appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State, for women in politics.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>"I also thank His Excellency, the Governor, Senator Douye Diri for giving me the privilege to serve in his administration.</div><div>"Permit me also to appreciate my mentor, the Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson Friday for recommending me for this position".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>These were the exact words of Hon. Josephine Akandi Ekeuwei, the Special Adviser to the Governor for women in politics during an interview with the Golden Pen News print and online in the state capital, Yenagoa. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>She used the medium to thank all that graced her reception at Biogbolo and wished them well in all their endeavors and peaceful journeys back to their destinations.</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-55380699100796769222020-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:002020-10-12T22:19:33.963-07:00WHICH WAY NIGERIA???<div>WHICH WAY NIGERIA???</div><div>By Victor Otonye Evans</div><div>Nigeria popularly known as the Giant of Africa has the highest population of the black race. became independent on the first of October 1960 from British colonialism.</div><div>But since the Independence up to this very moment this country, Nigeria has been wallowing in poverty, lack and limitation despite the abundance of natural resources the nation is proud of. And that has result in economic stagnation, because of the selfishness and corruption of those who, the Nigerian masses elected and or appointed to oversee the affairs of the Nation.</div><div> The situation of things are so devastating, and seriously affecting the masses because the most common needs of the masses are not met with ease. Nigeria is rich in crude oil and gas which are the major export products, the Nigerian Government sell and you can imagine that some of the countries that buy oil and gas from Nigeria, are not as rich as Nigeria; but are far more developed and have booming economies.</div><div>At sixty, Nigeria, with the abundance of resources is still struggling to survive, and shamelessly having her name in the list of indebted nations. This is unbelievable, what about the hundreds, thousands, millions of thrillion upon thrillions accruing into the nation's coffers from all the sectors?</div><div>Whereas many nations across the world, in their war against corrution have given zero tolerance to the menace, in our country Nigeria, corruption has become a tradition, which needs to be put to an end. </div><div> Nigeria is a Democratic Nation but her citizens are not exercising their civil rights, that is true and it is so, because majority of citizens are no longer interested to know about the day to day running of the country, due to the high level of corruption whereby even anti-graft personnel were fingered of widespread allegations of corruption. The highest level of corruption in Nigeria is in the elections. Electoral victories were transferred to the wrong persons, denying the right persons their victory, while some others are lobbying around for brown envelopes.</div><div>It is a common knowledge that corruption is deadly because it has grievous effect in the life of the people and we as Nigerians have to, in one voice fight this commom enemy.</div><div> The present administration led by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari had dedicated itime and commitment to fish out corrupt people in the Government system, but the EFCC has to do more because the situation of things are not getting better for the people in question.</div><div>Some are looting the treasuries, some are diverting public funds to their private accounts and using it to acquire property abroad and ignoring the chronic hunger suffered by the people and poor infrastructure that Nigeria is going through.</div><div>What about unemployment? There are countless graduates out there, that have been searching for employment but have not found one , some are seeking for good education but because of the poor situation of things they cannot afford it and this brings the citizens to reason that NIGERIA, as an oil and gas rich nation, should have at least been able to invest in the educational sector but nothing is being done what about the provision of the basic social amenities like water,good roads, healthcare, housing etc. All these monies we entrust in the hands of these corrupt politicians have been embezzled and put into the pockets of the executive looters , participation in political activities is good but our problem is that all our politicians have alterior motive other than the agendas in their manifestos . It is pertinent to emphasize that our problem is that, we the masses vote incompetent persons, looters and after voting them face severe hardship for as long as they are in power our PVC is our right and voting is our responsibility but voting competent leaders is the beginning of wisdom in this case because voting someone that is corrupt and after being elected they do nothing to improve the lives of the citizens. It is foolishness if Nigerians continue to vote the wrong people into office, the people must be wise to put all the challenges into consideration and try to make sure that whoever should be selected for any political office is competent and God fearing because if reverse is the case Which way Nigeria???</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-15122713842417804742020-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:002020-10-12T08:02:00.103-07:00BAYELSA: THE SORRY SIGHT OF A STATE When Bayelsa biforcated from Port Harcourt the capital of Rivers State to Yenagoa,the capital of their state,it was with great expectations.<div> The then Yenagoa motor park built by the LGA was venue from the historic reception with the founding fathers telling the story of how they fought for the creation of Bayelsa State, expressed joy for the fulfillment of their dream to have the only Ijaw State in the Nigerian federation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div> The 1st military administrator Navy Captain Philip Ayeni, patiently listened to the welcome address presented by the Bayelsa forum led by Dr. Amba Ambaowei who graphically told the state's creation and the great expectations for rapid development with much oviatons.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div> It was an historic occasion full of hopes for the people of the state who went on with celebrations, thanking God and appreciated, General Sani Abacha for creating the state, and gave kudos to the founding fathers as heroes of the Ijaw nation and of Bayelsa State.</div><div> The military Navy administrator Captain Ayeni took I'll and left even without constituting a cabinet, which made way for another Navy Captain, Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade as 2nd military administrator of the State, who kick started the state, embarked on some viable projects.</div><div>Amongst which were:</div><div>(1.) The present sports complex</div><div>(2.) The Bayelsa Radio station called Radio Bayelsa.</div><div>(3.) The Yenagoa ekeki motor park.</div><div>(4.) The 1st Bayelsa State Secretariat.</div><div>(5.) The Bayelsa State Assembly complex.</div><div>(6.) The Bayelsa State legislative quaters.</div><div>(7.) The creek motel now abandoned.</div><div>(8.) The 1st commissioners quarter.</div><div>(9.) The state Legislators quater.</div><div>(10.) The first traditional rulers Secretariat amongst others. But olubolade did not enjoy a peaceful environment to remain in office to do more Projects, due to a challenging security situation that terminated that administration, for his successor, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi who midwifed democracy in the state in 1999 for the first democratically elected Governor of Bayelsa State Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha to kick start Democratic administration</div><div>After Alamieyeseigha, came Goodluck Jonathan, after him came Timipre Sylva and after him came Henry Dickson, now we have Douye Diri.</div><div>But going through the streets in the Bayelsa State capital Yenagoa it is indeed a pity, a sorry sight, the shame of a oil/gas rich state, living in a pitiable condition of poverty, whereby many have no homes to live, no job, no pay and have become so lean by reason of hunger, like the seven (7) lean fleshed cows Pharaoh dreamed in the book of Genesis.</div><div>A.state capital that is like a village, a 24 years old state has nothing tangible to appreciate or to be proud of, with all the thrillions received from the federation account, from ecological funds, from derivation funds, from Paris Club refunds, from flood donations, from Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) etc; but regrettably nothing to show.</div><div>It is the shame of some of those enthrusted with the well being and prosperity of the State, if not all who while piloting affairs of the ship of state turned buccaneers who turned the state government to their PLC, and the state treasury to their private accounts.</div><div>It is a sad commentary, Bayelsa which burbled years with visitors trooping in and out Yenagoa across the nation with their exotic cars through the East/West Road for politics, for businesses etc. can now be proud of only tricircles instead of the choice cars.</div><div>There were the good days, when the stories of Bayelsa were told some dignitaries either as Special Guests or invited Guests in commemoration of Bayelsa State anniversary, Democracy Day, AMAA Award were welcome to Bayelsa, but today, even investors who came in with good intentions have relocated from the last two years, turning the city to a dejected land.</div><div><br></div><div> </div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-83871957059837863072020-10-12T06:43:00.000-07:002020-10-12T06:43:06.629-07:00CHRISTIAN S SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER-PASTOR EBI ALFREDThe founder and leader of the Mightier Than All Deliverance Ministry (MTADM), Pastor Ebi Alfred had called on Christian leaders to love one another and stop discrimination and unnecessary competition amongst themselves.<div>He stated this while delivering a sermon titled:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"GOD'S THOUGHTS FOR MANKIND NOT OF EVIL" during Sunday Service at the Church's Headquarters Ekenfa in the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa.</div><div>He explained that Pastor don't love themselves because of jealousy, they criticize and condemn themselves for no reason, emphasizing that it aught not to be so..</div><div>He referred to the book of Jeremiah:11 reads:</div><div>" For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end.'</div><div>He made it clear that whereas the thoughts of God are good the thoughts of the enemy are always evil for which mankind need to hold fast to God for their salvation, because God is more powerful than the enemy.</div><div>He therefore called on the Christians to love another to receive the blessings of the LORD Jesus!</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-160038091659514812020-10-10T05:53:00.000-07:002020-10-16T00:18:05.298-07:00ELECTION OF A KING, NOT ACADEMIC EXERCISE, BUT DIVINE AND TRADITIONALINTRODUCTION: First of all, it is important to say, that in the history of our kingdom; especially on the tradition of choosing a King, there had never been presentation of papers by academicians and or professionals to teach, educate or elighten the traditional Council, which members are the custodians of the tradions and customs of the land, who are not ignorant of how an AMANYANABO was elected or should be elected before going on.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</a><b>King Collins Festus Amaegbe - Eremienyo Ogbodo VII</b></div><div>At the freak of circumstances </div><div>resulting in the election of a new king, since the passing on of our former king, H.R.M (DR.) RALPH MICHAEL IWOWARI,.MEIN VII, the Amanyanabo of Nembe Bassambiri seven.(7) years ago, and in response to demands, the Chiefs Council gave approval for presentation of papers, which was a welcome development.</div><div>The first two groups of persons that presented papers to the Chiefs Council in an emergency meeting were:</div><div>1. The " OPU - NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES"</div><div>2. The "OPU - NEMBE (NEMBE - BASSAMBIRI CONSCIENCE GROUP"</div><div>Both groups put forward their positions and agreed on harmonization of dynasties, OGBODO and MEIN to one. In view of the fact that each dynasty counted up to the 7th King, totalling 14 if harmonized.</div><div>The duo took different positions on the title the new king should bear. The " OPU - NEMBE INDIGENES" proposed "OGBODO MEIN" or "MEIN OGBODO" dynasty, while the"OPU - NEMBE CONSCIENCE GROUP" proposed "OGBODO" as the title.</div><div>Both groups agreed on the list and names of the 14 kings that have ruled the kingdom in this order:</div><div>1. King Ogbodo ------- Ogbodo 1</div><div>2. King Gbolowei ----- Ogbodo II</div><div>3. King Wari ------------ Ogbodo III</div><div>4. King Aladede ------- Ogbodo IV</div><div>5. King Tamuno ------- Ogbodo V</div><div>6.King Kariyai ---------- Ogbodo VI</div><div>7. King Mein ------------ Mein.I</div><div>8. King Dugiriyai ------ Mein Ii</div><div>9. King Arisimo ------- Mein.III</div><div>10. King Ebifa --------- Mein.IV</div><div>11. King Oguara ------ Mein.V</div><div>12. King Ben Wari ---- Mein VI</div><div>13.King Eremienyo -- Ogbodo VII</div><div>14. King Iwowari ----- Mein VII</div><div>The two.groups.also.agreed that the new king should be numbered as the XV.</div><div>While these proposals were before the Chiefs Council, to be delibrated upon to take a position, a third Group, "SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OPU - NEMBE" forwarded a "Letter of Notification, which gave ultimatum to the Chiefs Council to elect a King from 12th of August to 30th of October, 2020.</div><div>In a related development a 4th group, "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" presented a proposal to the Chiefs Council in an emergency meeting held on the 2nd of October, 2020.</div><div>THE CONFLICTING ISSUES</div><div>The presentation of papers introduced some controversies too dangerous to accept as part of the Nembe traditions and customs which our progenitors practiced and handed down to us, to pass onto future generations.</div><div>A careful observation reveals that some of the papers were far from the norms and traditions of our Nembe ancestral kingdom, founded by King Obiaiyai Ogbodo called Bassambiri Nembe,</div><div>Nembe Bassambiri or Opu - Nembe.</div><div>King Ogbodo existed in the pre-literary era, far before. colonialism. It was a traditional government, a monarchy like every other monarchy in Africa and the world. The kingdom existed from generation to generation, and kings were chosen according to lineage, as tabulated, started with the founder of the Kingdom, King Ogbodo to his son Gbolowei to his son Wari and to his son Aladede, and to his son Tamuno and to his grandson Kariyai, then came King Mein, Mein to his son Duguruyai, to his son Arisimo, to his son Ebifa, to his son Oguara and to his grandson Ben Wari. Then was the long interlude of 14 years without a King.</div><div>When in 1978 it was time to elect a new king, It was CHIEF COLLINS FESTUS AMAEGBE-EREMIEMYO from the stalk of Ogbodo who emerged as King Ogbodo VII, when he joined his ancestors, it was from the stalk of Mein, RALPH MICHAEL IWOWARI emerged as King Mein VII.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</a><b>King (Dr) Ralph Michael Iwowari Meim - VII</b></div> No stranger was ever chosen as King in the history of Bassambiri Nembe, Nembe Bassambiri or Opu - Nembe. Kings had always emerged from dynasties and not any personality who has no blood lineage to the throne ever elected.</div><div>The controversies identified in the presentations revealed that some of the groups don't seem to understand that the issue or topic under discussion was about the tradition of electing a king in Nembe. </div><div>And because of that missing link, their recommendations sounded alien and untraditional.</div><div>For instance, the first group, "OPU - NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES" said:</div><div>"That from our observations, limiting the choice to just one Royal dynasty at a time as it has been the practice since the1978 decision is no longer in the interest of majority of the indigenes of our kingdom; if sustainable development remains our ultimate dream."</div><div>This position was supported by the "OPU- NEMBE THINK TANK" which said: "This group expresses the view that the dual dynastic tradition shall remain, and the kinship shall rotate between the two dynaties. But for the shake of getting the best available candidate in the kingdom at every point, the candidacy should be open to people from both dynasties. In other words, anyone can be the Amanyanabo at any point in time..."</div><div>This position by the above mentioned groups is baseless, because such a position does not have Divine or traditional backing. God said:</div><div>"Be sure that the man you choose to be King is the one whom the Lord has chosen. He must be one of your own people; do not make a foreigner your King." GOOD NESS BIBLE</div><div>DEUTRONOMY 17:15</div><div>God also said in Ezekiel 21:27 reads Amplified:</div><div>"I will overthrow, overthrow and overthrow it, this also shall be no more until he comes whose right it is to reign in judgement and righteousness, and I will give it him."</div><div>You have to know that God also rules on the earth, He chooses Kings by Himself, hear this:</div><div>"This sentence is by the decree of the (heavenly) watchers and the decision is by the words of the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the most high God rules in the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He will and sets over it the humblest and the lowliest of men." DANIEL 4:17</div><div>1. So the position of these two groups "THE OPU - NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES" and "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" saying that the kingship of Nembe Bassambiri, Opu - Nemby should be thrown open, in the search, so as to elect anyone no matter where he comes from is not supported by God.</div><div>2. That position is also not supported traditionally, because in the history of Nembe the search for a King was never thrown open for all commers regardless of dynasty or dynaties, lineage or lineages, because it was strictly hereditary, you must have the Royal blood to be elected King.</div><div>WHAT TITLE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE NEW KING</div><div>This was discussed by three groups, two going one side and one going the other side. Just like the former the "OPU - NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES" and the "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" advocated for "OGBODO - MEIN or "MEIN - OG ODO" dynasty." While the "OPU - NEMBE (NEMBE BASSAMBIRI) CONSCIENCE GROUP" came out with " OGBODO" as the title.</div><div>The OPU - Nembe Concerned Indigenes which proposed modification of an existing dual dynas<i>tic</i> system recommended:</div><div>*That the current dual dynastic system of monarchy in Opu Nembe be modified.</div><div>*That in it's place, a single, unified dynasty system be instituted.</div><div>*That in terms of nomenclature, therefore, it should be known and referred to either as the"OGBODO - MEIN dynasty" or the "MEIN - OGBODO" dynasty."</div><div>The "OPU - NEMBE.THINK.TANK" also supported this position thus: "We.appreciate this position for more than two reasons. First, this position is elegant in appearance. Again the numbering of the monarchs such that the next amanyanabo should be "OGBODO - MEIN XV presents the long history of the monarchs such that the next will only be VIII (e.g. OGBODO VIII) when most of our neighbors will be counting higher figures."</div><div>But the OPU - NEMBE (NEMBE BASSAMBIRI) CONSCIENCE GROUP" came out with the position that Ogbodo is the most appropriate for the King of Nembe Bassambiri to bear. Hear this:</div><div>"More than sufficient evidence abound to the authenticity of OGBODO as the only and sole founder and ruler in his time and children. Opu - Nembe has ever been and still OGBODO AMA. Both ancient and contemporary undeniable records, oral traditions and the folklore all accede this fact...</div><div>"Our candid aspiration and heartfelt desire is that we wholly and warmly consider the understated noble recommendation:</div><div>"Ogbodo should be the name for the kingship title."</div><div>The OPU - Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri) Conscience Group raised another pertinent issue, an extant fact that Mein was a son of Ogbodo by his mother Ina, therefore whatever belonged to Mein belonged to the Ogbodo family. The Group spoke extensively on marital tradions in Nembe whereby a man who married a none native in big dowry, herself and whatever comes out of her, belongs to the man who married her. In line with the Nembe traditions and customs, the group has this to say:</div><div>"If all that we have discussed here are true then we can establish the fact that Mein is of the lineage of Ogbodo through Ina his mother of whom Ogbodo married with big dowry from Ekpetiama and also the custom of matrilineal dependence, as Ina (King Mein's Mother) belong to the Ogbodo family."</div><div>This means that there was no need for division in the first place between the Ogbodo family and the children of Mein. What happened in the past was an error that needed to be corrected, they said. But the "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" came with another position that the status quo of the two dynasties should be retained.</div><div>In page 5 they talked about the 'status quo' (maintaining the dual dynastic tradition).</div><div> Briefly, this position is that the 1978 agreement (Appendix IV) be respected, the kingship should remain rotational between the two dynasties. The two dynasties should present the Amanyanabo when it is it's turn. This is what has been the status quo with Ogbodo VII and Mein VII":</div><div>"We appreciate this position because it is true to history and underline the wisdom compromise, and patriotism demonstrated in 1978. It has also ensured peace and mutual understanding since then".</div><div>The THINK TANK group in their position paper made references to history repeatedly with 1978.</div><div>Page 5 paragraph 2,3,and 4 they talked about history and it was 1978, read:</div><div>"We appreciate this position mainly for it's feature of being true to history and respecting the historic settlement of 1978".</div><div>"... briefly, this position is that the 1978 agreement be respected..." </div><div>Page 4 paragraph 4 the group attempted to say something different but still ended up with 1978.<br></div><div>"The weaknesse of this argument is that it fails to fully appreciate the historic circumstances that led to the "decapitation" of Mein from the Ogbodo lineage and the circumstances that led to Mein's emergence as the Amanyanabo. We believe that history must not be distorted."</div><div>"Furthermore, this position has the potentials of provoking the Mein section of the community, and possibly, even make them rethink the patriotic concession they made in 1978".</div><div>These show that the</div><div> "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" doesn't have any other history or another historical date handy except 1978.</div><div>The public was interested to know the so much orchestrated facts on the historical circumstances that led to Mein's emergence as amanyanabo.'</div><div>Well, they deserved commendation for at least coming out with the truth they also know that Mein and his descendants belonged to the Ogbodo family.</div><div>But if they had any history about "decapitation" that could have made a good reading, but that expectation was not met. Rather they were dwelling on the rotational agreement of 1978.</div><div>CONCLUSION: </div><div>Reading through the documents presented by the various groups the "OPU - NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES" "OPU - NEMBE (NEMBE BASSAMBIRI) CONSCIENCE GROUP" and the "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK", one can say it is worthwhile experience to talk about our traditions on the election of a King and related issues.</div><div>Just for the records: the "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" said:</div><div>"We note that it has been more than seven (7) since our kingdom witnessed the transition of our monarch, HRM KING (DR) RALPH MICHAEL IWOWARI, MEIN VII, the amanyanabo of the Opu Nembe kingdom...."</div><div>The observation here is that, King Iwowari was not Amanyanabo of Opu - Nembe, but Amanyanabo of Nembe Bassambiri.</div><div>The position paper by the "OPU - NEMBE THINK TANK" was so aggressive to the extent that the Ogbodo group was undermined with some uncomplementary assertions such as:</div><div>"The main rationale for this position is that restricting the search for a new amanyanabo to one dynasty has delayed the discovery of a suitable candidate. It is also likely to eliminate suitable candidates because such candidates are not from the dynasty whose turn it is to produce the king".</div><div>1. This is very unfair, the Ogbodo family has great people, all class of people who are eminently qualified to hold even the highest office in this country, so we take exception to that.</div><div>2. It is unfair and unjust to present Mein as equal to Ogbodo, by suggesting "Ogbodo-Mein" or "Mein-Ogbodo as titles for the throne of the Kingdom founded by Ogbodo himself.</div><div>This aught not to be in view of the fact that, Mein did not see Ogbodo, neither did Ogbodo see Mein, because the gap was unimaginable. The question is, if Mein was born during Ogodo's time, do you think he could have disrespected King Ogbodo his father? That's not possible.</div><div>The point worthy of note is that, it was not because the Opu - Nembe Council of Chiefs which is the traditional Senate of this Great Kingdom did not have ideas of how a King should be elected, but just to accommodate stakeholders who have the zeal to rapport with the traditional Senate on issues of common interest.</div><div>The presentation of position papers is not part of the tradition and customs of the election of a King.</div><div>FINALLY, IT IS NOTE WORTHY THAT THE ELECTION OF A KING, NOT ACADEMIC EXERCISE, BUT DIVINE AND TRADITIONAL.</div><div><br></div><div>By</div><div>Chief Otonye Evans Tubonah</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-49774971573963536922020-10-07T05:53:00.000-07:002020-10-07T06:29:49.367-07:00DIRI WILL SPRING A SURPRISE IN DEVELOPMENT - PAUL YEIGBAThe General Manager of the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, Mr. Paul B. Yeigba (JP) had said that the Restoration Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri will spring a surprise in the development of Bayelsa despite pressing challenges.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>The General Manager stated this during an interview with the Golden Pen Newspaper print and on-line which called on him in his office in the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa.</div><div>Mr. Yeigba spoke well on Senator Diri's passion to transform the State; especially in the area of Housing and Property Development in these words:</div><div>"As Senator Douye Diri came onboard, he looked at the abandoned Housing projects and said NO! we have to do something right now, and I can tell you that he is q taking the housing and prosperity development sector to a new level.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"For now you can see that Okaka phase 2, a housing project which had been under construction since 2012 - 2013, we considered necessary to complete.</div><div> As soon as the Douye Diri Government came onboard, because he has a passion for development of the State; especially in Housing, he emphasized that the state will have a new look with housing and property development."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Mr. Yeigba went further to say that, to this end, the Governor had given a matching order that the phase 2 Okaka Housing Estate be completed without further delay to provide accommodation for the teaming population in the State; expressing the hope that in his one year in office the Phase 2 Okaka Housing Estate Project shall no doubt be counted in the list of achievements of his <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>administration's first one year in office.</div><div>Meanwhile the General Manager of the Housing and Property Devolopment Authority, Mr. Yeigba had expressed optimism for a timeous completion of the project judging from the speed of work done and urged those at the site to redouble efforts to achieve the desired deadline..</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-86577048578506000372020-09-30T01:21:00.000-07:002020-10-12T07:50:08.770-07:00BAYELSA PUBLISHERS VISIT: AIG ASSURES OF SECURITY IN ZONE 16<div>The Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) has paid a familiarization visit to the Assistant Inspection General of Police Zone 16, Mr Austin Agbonlahor with a view to foster mutual working relationship between the Police and the Publishers to achieve peace and security in the zone..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div> In his speech, the Chairman of the Association, Chief Otonye Evans Tubonah stated that the purpose of the visit was first of all to Congratulate the AIG, Mr Austin Agbonlahor for his well deserved appointment:<br></div></div><div>"First of all, we want to Congratulate you on your well deserved appointment as the AIG for zone 16, we also thank the President and the Inspector General of Police for creating the five zones and making Bayelsa the headquarters of zone 16, and for acknowledging the competencies of AIG Austin Agbonlahor to pioneer the activities of the newly created zone"</div><div>Chief Evans Tubonah made it clear that a symbiotic relationship between the Police and the Publishers in Bayelsa was necessary to fasttrack positive results in the area of peace and security. </div><div>To that end, Chief Tubonah said, for the purposes of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>collaboration the Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) will do her best to support the activities of the zone especially in the area of publicity.</div><div>He noted that the presence of the zonal office will send a strong signal to miscreants and deter would be criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities and called on the AIG to pay more attention to the communities in the hinterlands.<br></div><div>Responding, the Assistant Inspection General of Police in Charge of Zone 16, Austin Agbonlahor thanked the Publishers for the visit and described it, as apt and timely.<br></div><div>AIG Agbonlahor urged the Publishers as professionals to use their meduim to give positive reportage of the activities of the zone, stressing that if events are properly reported it will go a long way to reduce crisis and ensure the prevalence of peace.<br></div><div>He also called on the Publishers to use their meduim to draw the attention of well-meaning citizens on the challenge of flooding in the zonal headquarter in order to tackle the menace.<br></div><div>The Zonal AIG assurred that with the presence of the zonal headquarter in the state crime and criminality would be reduced drastically and called for support and cooperation from Bayelsans.<br></div><div>He said, "On the security situation, I want to assure you that the presence of zone 16 will surely improve the security situation no doubt, as our business here is to coordinate, and to also monitor and to also advise when we are supervising and to compliment the commands. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>As you know, our jurisdiction covers not only Bayelsa but Rivers State as well.<br></div><div>" So, when we see what is going wrong, we can sell an idea to them, we can also surpevise them , we can also monitor their activities. That is why, if you have any complain of anything they are not doing well, come to us .We will visit them to suggest on how best to do it, because that is part of our supervisory role and monitoring. </div><div>So I want to assure you that the security situation would be better in the zone," the AIG <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>concluded.<br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-88452956321735088202020-09-26T05:13:00.000-07:002020-09-26T05:56:19.161-07:00SURV AKENE RAISES ALARM AGAINST DICKSON: ON ALLEGATIONS OF COLLECTING LOANS FROM BANKS TO THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND NAIRAThere is ongoing disquiet in Bayelsa State and across the nation between the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson and his former Commissioner for land, Surveyor Furoebi Akene on the debt profile of the state.<div> Chief Akene had in an unprecedented manner came out tough with widespread allegations of unlawful and unjust collection of loans by the immediate past Bayelsa Governor Henry Seriake</div><div>Dickson wrote and published that, Loans collection became the order of the day with the Dickson Administration which took loans from Nigerian banks and banks outside Nigeria, according to Chief Akene, amounting to billions of dollars with foreign banks and N100bn with Nigerian banks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><div>Surveyor Akene was appointed Commissioner in 2012, by the former Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson in his first tenure in office and assigned to the Ministry of Lands. But Surveyor Akene who did not see the appointment as what he should have wasted his time, resigned.</div><div>Lamenting the level of under-development and poverty in the State, while tracing the cause to loans collection by the State Government; especially during the eight years adminstration of the immediate past Governor, Seriake Dickson, Surveyor Akene who painstakingly gave blow-by-blow accounts of a visibly outrageous debt profile of the fledgling Oil and Gas rich, only all Ijaw State, in the Niger Delta Region South South Nigeria wrote an article he titled: </div><div>"ECHOES OF DEVELOPMENT IN BAYELSA STATE-EPISODE (12)..; where he graphically itemized the loans profile of the State, according to his findings based on a report by the Debt Management Office (DMO) as follows:</div><div>External debts:-</div><div>31st December 2008</div><div> $25, 788, 797.44</div><div>31st December 2011 </div><div>$27, 447 ,347.48</div><div>30th June 2012 </div><div>$27, 897, 951..97</div><div>31st December 2012</div><div> $28, 002, 261.72</div><div>31st December 2015</div><div> $37, 602, 856.36</div><div>31st December 2019</div><div> $59, 511, 021.22</div><div>Domestic debt in Nigerian Naira culled from DMO reports as at:-</div><div>31st December 2014</div><div>N91, 681, 863, 473 29</div><div>December 2015</div><div>N103, 374, 234, 640.82</div><div>30th September 2019</div><div>N129, 243, 132, 172.38</div><div>30th June 2020</div><div>N150, 057, 580, 348.08</div><div>"This implies that from 31st of January 2012 to 31st of December the State got an external debt of $32, 064, 672.74 (US dollars).</div><div>In the same vein from January 2012 to 30th of June 2020 the State got a domestic debt of N100bn."</div><div>Continuing, Chief Akene made it clear that: </div><div>"The figures show that the last four and half months of the.immediate past administration and the first four and half months of present administration, the State has collected a loan of N22.8bn.</div><div>Chief Akene used the medium to question the functionality of the State Parliament in these words:</div><div>"WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BAYELSA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN ALL THESE LOANS?"</div><div>He accused the Executive and the State Assembly of complicity in the borrowing or loans collection business.</div><div>Surveyor Akene who posited that the Bayelsa State debt profile was N50bn before Henry Seriake Dickson came onboard, expressed disappointment over the way and manner the said loans were taken in connivance with the State Assembly to the tune of billions of dollars and N100bn in the face of other avenues of revenue which include:</div><div>"Bayelsa State own... Oil Company Limited that have a functional and producing Oil field, yet no revenue has been declared.</div><div>"Bayelsa Development and Investment Company BDIC have asset base worth over N200bn spread across Nigeria, South Africa, UK, and others, but over the years, no income has been declared by the so-called transparency briefing that has never been transparent.." </div><div>Chief Akene said.</div><div>The former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands who voluntarily resigned, Surveyor Furoebi Akene emphatically posited that:</div><div>"Despite all these sources of revenue, Yenagoa the State capital still remains as a glorified village slum...the Local Government headquarters.... streets in Yenagoa are deplorable to the extent that vehicles cannot pass through some of them."</div><div>He observed with concern that consequent upon the ugly trend, Bayelsa which receives higher financial allocation because of the 13% derivation funds is now the poorest and most underdeveloped amongst the six States that were created the same day with Bayelsa, October 1st 1996 namely:<br></div><div>"Ebony, Ekiti, Gombe, Yobe and Zamfara States.</div><div>Out of the six States with Bayelsa receiving higher monthly allocations with 13% derivation funds, Chief Akene said Bayelsa is the poorest and most underdeveloped which he attributed to penchance in loans collection to the detriment of Bayelsans by the former Governor of the State in connivance with the State Assembly as alleged.</div><div>Efforts to reach the former Governor to get his side of the story proved abortive as at Press time.</div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-54689931660636683482020-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:002020-09-18T14:56:38.577-07:00THE MESSAGE OF HON. (BAR) UROH KIANA TO BAYELSANSA Bayelsa based politician Hon. Uroh Kiani had called on Youths of the present generation; especially of the Brass Senatorial District and Bayelsa State to shun violence and preserve their lives so as to become the leaders of the future.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div> He spoke extensively on a wide range of issues, using his life story of 19 years into politics and the journey so far that makes a good reading as a food for thought, he spoke with the Golden Pen in an interview in the Bayelsa State capital Yenagoa.</div><div> Excerpts:</div><div><div>G.Pen: I am Otonye Evans Tubonah, Publisher Golden Pen Newspaper Online and print. Want to have an interview with you, not that you are strange to me but for the purposes of this interview, will you personally tell the reading public who you are?</div><div>Ans: Thank you very much for having me.</div><div>My name is Hon. Uroh Omiekumo Kiani Esq., by God's grace I am the Acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission Bayelsa State, </div><div>I was appointed August.2012 into the Commission under the Restoration Goverment. Our tenure is four years and when the four years lapsed, in 2016, the Governor graciously </div><div>re-appointed me and I was sworn-in on the 18th of January 2017.</div><div>I came into this tenure as Commissioner (2) of the Local Government Service Commission under the Chairmanship of Hon. (Chief). Adolphus Ebimodei Ofongo. Incidentally, 26th of February, the Chairman was suspended and I was made the Acting Chairman.</div><div>Ques: Our medium, Golden Pen is interested in the activities and affairs of this Commission, now as the Acting Chairman, how have you been grappling with the challenges ahead?</div><div>Ans: The responsibilities are enormous, but we met a situation where there were agitations for re-enstatement based on previous exercises conducted under my predecessor and we have looked at it and those we found having no problems were cleared, and those whose conditions were bad and due retirement were retired.</div><div>Though it wasn't easy but we have come this far and the system is a bit stable and we are happy for what we have done. We are going together with all the Commissioners in the spirit of Corporate governance, and everything done here is being done in conference, along with the Permanent Secretary and the Directors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Ques: What can you tell the public about promotion, how long since you conducted Local Government staff promotion?</div><div>Ans: Yes! we did our promotion in 2019 January last year. promotion for Local Government staff is done twice in a year, first in January and in July every year. So, some of the staff due promotion last year July 2019, January 2020 and July 2020..</div><div>So, we are going to embark on those three classes and stages of promotion and also include upgrading and convertion side by side with them.</div><div>Cut - in: When are you going to start the processes?</div><div>Ans: From our timetable, we have a well detailed working plan on how to conduct this exercise since from July. We planned from June/July and we have made the necessary consultations and made our timetable to commence first week of October, 2020, and we forwarded our request for the Deputy Governor's approval.</div><div>Just a week or two ago, the Deputy Governor had graciously approved, that yes, it is the right of the staff to be promoted, but the promotion is not to immediately have implementation of the new grade. And that is a condition the Commission and the Union agreed. That is what all the stakeholders agreed and we are working on that direction.</div><div>Ques: Mr. Chairman, some persons have said you a learned man, are you a Lawyer?</div><div>Ans: Yes, I was called to the Bar some years ago, I am a Barrister, I graduated from the Nigerian Law School and I was called to the Bar, that makes me a Barrister and Solicitor.</div><div>Ques: Hon. Uroh Kiani, it is a common knowledge that you came from Brass Local Government Area, can you share with the public how you started your political journey to the position you are today?</div><div>Ans: Indeed it's quite a long one. It is a trajectory if we go into details we cannot go over it almost immediately. But in a jiffy I just want to inform you that I started active politics when I was 19 years far back 1992.</div><div>I was appointed into the NRC Local Government Caretaker Committee during the period of Ada George and Zebulon Abule in Old Rivers State. And I was in that four man committee of Brass LGA to conduct election to usher in delegates for the party at all levels; Wards and Local Government to the State.</div><div>I was there and in the course of my sojourn, I was kidnapped by a faction of who wanted me also to endorse their delegates list, to authenticate their delicates list in Nembe, being the headquarters of the present Senatorial District, when Ogbia, Nembe and Brass were together as one Local Government Area.</div><div>I was kidnapped and that led to a fracture of the then untity bridge of Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri. It was indeed a terrible experience, but thank God am alive. So many of my contemporaries have died, as I speak.</div><div>We were under the leadership of Barrister Lionel Jonathan, who later became Chief Lionel Jonathan-Omo, at the top we had, Chief Rufus Ada George the Peripelebo1 of Okrika, as our direct leader who became the Governor of Rivers State, and his tenure was short-lived because of military incursion.</div><div>So, Indeed we have come a long way, I also contested as a Councillor and won in 1979 and served as a Supervisory Councillor of Health and Social Welfare on the platform of UNCP under my Chairman Hon. (Mrs) Marie Amiebi Enenimiete Ebikarke (aka) mumsy and Abacha who was the Head of State died with our mandate, so our tenure short-lived.So, we were like that, until the new political dispensation of PDP came onboard in 1999, we joined and are in it to date.</div><div>Ques: Let's talk About your call to the Bar, you mean while you were in active politics, you were still pursuing education, especially the Law School?</div><div>Ans: I was a Technical student, I finished my prevocational school at GTC Ekowe in 1983, and I was sent to GTC Tombia to complete my vocational Technical school.</div><div> After the vocational school, I wrote City and Guilde of London Institute and from there, it was almost all along self sponsored... and because of social life developed some families and are battling with it until I had to go and write my JAMB in 2011 at Abua Central Secondary School. I made my JAMB scores and I was admitted into the present day Rivers State University of Science and Technology Mkpolu Oruworukwo.</div><div>By God's grace I graduated 2016 and November 2016, I gained admission into the Nigerian Law School straight away and here we are. I would have rounded up my LLM, but because of the COVID19, that is still hanging.</div><div>So, am in love with education and would love to go through the educational stratas.</div><div>Ques: I am seeing you in pictures with Lawyers what can you say about that?</div><div>Ans: They are my call to Bar photos. Family members and the man who inaugurated our call to Bar, the ousted former Chief Judge, Justice Walter Oneghen is also in the pictures who had a warm handshake with me. Those are just historic, is nostalgic because when you see pictures like this, it takes your memory back.</div><div>My call to Bar was at the International Conference center Abuja.</div><div>Ques<i>; </i>Do you have a Senior Lawyer that is a mentor to you in Bayelsa State?</div><div>Ans: During my Law School I had to pass through the tutelage of Barrister Fedude Zimughan Chambers. The Nigerian Law School sent me to a Chamber for my Chamber attachment, but I applied to Chief Zimughan's Chambers because I was in love with that personality and the flavor he has for the Law profession, so I opted to be under his tutelage.</div><div>When I applied, the Law School granted me to change and I went there. And I thank God that Law School exams being what they are, because of the tutelage I had from Zimughan's Chambers I was able to go through; so the Chambers attachment was solly contributory towards my success in the Law School exams.</div><div>Ques: You are a young man as can see, how many years if I may ask?</div><div>Ans: Am not a young man am 50 years, so am not a young man.</div><div>Cut - in: There is a saying, life begins at 50, so are you not a young man?</div><div>Ans: I an not a young man, I have a lot of experience.</div><div>Cut - in again: One can say that you are a young man because you have a lot of prospects ahead of you, yes or no?</div><div>Ans: Yes! we all have the potentials but God in his infinite mercies direct the steps of the human race.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>But talking about that, I had contested against Mrs Kuku, now member of the B.O.T. of the PDP as at that time NRC treasurership, so, I had contested a Senatorial election before. I have my popularity cutting across the Senatorial District, so whenever the opportunity comes for it, of course we go in for it.</div><div>Ques: Hon. Uroh Kiani, you started politics at the tender age of 19 years, what advice do you have for the Youths of the present generation in politics, especially of your Senatorial District and Bayelsa State, is violence the answer?</div><div>Ans: Violence is not the answer, because God's ways are not man's ways, we as human beings will always be agitating, expecting but blindly, because God who is the author and finisher of our faith knows the end from the beginning.</div><div>So, even if you are agitating, you must do so constructively, because you don't know tomorrow. </div><div>People should have some restraints in their actions, yes, dynamism is the order of the day, changes have brought about what we are seeing today, but at a time we are into political gerimandeering: you lobby people, you go to the people sell your ideas, convince them to understand the reason you want to be where you want to be and not by force....</div><div>These days elections are terrible. where you see military men carrying election materials to favour who they like.</div><div>My advice is that the Youths should be careful, shun violence, so that they may live to be the leaders of tomorrow.</div><div>G.Pen: On that note we want to thank you for having this moment with our medium.</div><div>Hon Kiani.: </div><div>Thank you very much!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-48619262410412003882020-08-25T07:30:00.000-07:002020-08-25T07:35:22.684-07:00CHIEFS COUNCIL HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING, ADDRESSES COMMUNITY OVER SONS AND DAUGHTERS CALL FOR ELECTION OF A KINGIt was Saturday the 22nd of August, 2020 when the Opu Nembe Bassambiri Council of Chiefs, called an emergency meeting to delibrate on some pertinent issues raised in a letter forwarded to the Chiefs Council by a body called: "SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OPU-NEMBE..." a body comprising the Council of Deputy Chiefs, the Elders Council, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>theCommunity Development Committee (CDC), the Opu Nembe Youth Federation, Special Elders, the Opu Nembe Improvement Union, the Women Group, and Special Women,<div>In their letter dated 11th August 2020, captioned: "Letter of Notification" jointly signed the leaders of the various groups raised five pertinent issues for the Chiefs Council to consider or to walk along with as follows:</div><div>1. There shall be no Council of Chiefs elections or change in the leadership of the Council of Chiefs until a King is chosen and coronated.</div><div>2. That this act of King installation should not exceed from this day 12th August, to 30th October 2020.</div><div>3.We as a people want to celebrate the New Year 2021 with our new King.</div><div>4. There shall be no agenda in the Chiefs Council meeting apart from the election and coronation of a new King for the community.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>5. That burial in honour of a deceased Chief shall not be held until a King is elected and installed."</div><div>Paragraph two of the letter which expressed the mind and the feelings of the writers has this to say:</div><div>"It has become a burden to us that as things are going on in our Kingdom, we will never have the taste and the sight of a King for reasons best known to you our Chiefs. It has been Eight (8) years since our late (King Ralph Michael Iwowari (OON) Mein the (VII) was laid to rest with our ancestors. </div><div>It has not been crystal clear that the persons assuming office as Regent/Chairman in the Council of Chiefs has assumed themselves as Kings and has looked and reasoned away from installing a King...."After a briefing at the Chiefs Council by the Chairman on the development, the Chiefs proceeded to the traditional open field, Ogbodo square to have an interactive session with the community.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The Chairman of the Chiefs Council, Chief D.I Oriango Ekpeleyai-Oruwari who addressed the gathering spoke on a wide range of issues bordering on responsibilities of the Chiefs Council under the present leadership. He also talked about other issues that the traditional government could not shy away from addressing on daily or weekly basis, and described the call that the Chiefs Council should do no other thing but only to concentrate on the election of the King, was not to the. best interest of the community because of other pressing needs calling for attention.</div><div>Talking about what the Chiefs Council is doing about the election of a new king, the Chairman said:</div><div> "To elect an Amanyanabo is for both those at home and those outside to come together to consult and take a position to elect a befitting King for the Kingdom. Hear him:</div><div>" To elect an Amanyanabo,.we all need to consult in and outside together ..Right now to elect the next Amanyanabo,.as the world is changing, we are also changing, we have what is called Construction...We have decided how to do things and written it down and if you derail we will tell you, that is not what we agreed on.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"Therefore, as we are writing our Constitution, the Amanyanabo and the Chiefs Council, how they will function or relate, such writings are also there...in that regard after we had finished writing those things before the King is enthroned will be better than making that law in the face of a sitting King, that is why when nobody had sat on the throne we better make the law, seal it, when the person comes in, and the book is given to the person, the person will begin to move in that direction, we will also walk in that direction."</div><div>The Chairman explained that while the Chiefs Council was almost making ready the Constitution for printing, when some people of this community approached us to make presentations and we gave them time, believing that their presentations may add or subtract from the Constitution.</div><div>That was why we waited for them and they came and discussed the issues with us.</div><div>They also put it in writing... because of our efforts we have come to this level, but you think we have done nothing..</div><div>"We are making the Constitution, when we finish with that then we will come to the next stages to elect the Amanyanabo..."</div><div>The Chiefs Council Chairman concluded</div><div>Responding,</div><div> the Chairman of the Deputy Chiefs Council, Deputy Chief D.C.Otorudigha said himself, Elder Jumbo Olali T. and the President of the Youth Federation were to present the position of the community.</div><div>First presentation by Deputy Chief Otorudigha reads:</div><div>"We are not forcing you and if what we have written does not go down well with you, we apologise.</div><div> But what we are saying is that, right now the present Executive of the Chiefs Council should not be dissolved nor removed, they must be in office until the King is elected and coronated.."</div><div>2nd presentation by Elder Jumbo Olali T. reads::</div><div>"If we must learn from experiences of the past of what someone had passed through that will give us good direction.</div><div>"During the time of Ogbodo the 7th, late Chief Korobo Tamuno was Chairman of the Chiefs Council there was disagreement between the King and the Chiefs Council, it was about the Constitution written by the Chiefs Council, if he signed it, in a short while they were going to remove him, therefore the King said No! but if they removed that clause he was going to sign it.</div><div>" Those days either Chief Ogbu or Yousuo was President of Opu Nembe Improvement Union. We went to SDP Secretariat and decided that matter, and there was unity and any of the Chiefs that was there can bear witness to this.</div><div>"On that ground the Community is saying that the Constitution you are writing when an Amanyanabo is elected what name he will bear is one of the thoughts the Chiefs Council is having in heart as one of the works you will do.</div><div>What we are saying is that, whenever a Constitution was written as we knew in those days, and it is given to the King he signs it and the Constitution becomes a law, isn't it?</div><div>"Now, a Constitution is being written when there is not yet a King, the question is, when the King comes, is he going to sign it?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>3rd presentation by the President of the Oou Nembe Youth Federation, Moses Ebitimi Ayerite reads:</div><div>" We the Youths have delibrated and what we are coming out with is about the time, Amanyanabo will be elected. The Chiefs Council could remember that anytime you scheduled a meeting to elect a new exco.you never failed. In that light, we know the time we have given in our letter, if we see progress then only, shall we discuss extension of time, but not now."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>That ended the historic interactive session between the Chiefs and the Opu Nembe Bassambiri Community.</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-76361907674244909392020-08-21T07:49:00.000-07:002020-08-23T06:20:23.551-07:00INIRUO WILLS CALLS ON BAYELSA GOVT. TO ESTABLISH ADEQUATE SECURITY PRESENCE AT OLUASIRIThere has been a call on the Bayelsa State Government to provide adequate security in the Oluasiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>The call was made by Barrister Iniruo Wills during an interview online with the Golden Pen Newspaper on the Security challenges facing the Oluasiri clan which he described as "the Bakassi" of Bayelsa State.<div>His concern over the security laxity in the area, came at the heels of a fracas that occurred between two militant groups that resulted in the death of seven (7) persons as widely orchestrated.</div><div>While condemning the incident as unfortunate and a great lose to the Oluasiri people in particular and a lose to humanity in general, Mr. Wills opined that such occurrence (s) could have been avoided if adequate security measures had been in place.</div><div>He noted with concern that from inception of democracy, 1999 to 2020, the Bayelsa State Government had never showed interest for the development, well being, and prosperity of the land and people of Oluasiri, but only interested in the wealth accruing to the state.</div><div>Hear him:</div><div>"Oluasiri had been left without adequate security by the Bayelsa State Government for the past 20 years. What the Government is always interested about, is the money coming from the federation account to the state; but.they had never dropped even a pin there in Oluasiri."</div><div>Barrister Wills, a former Commissioner for Information and Orientation and former Commissioner for Environment identified two major factors as responsible for what he described as the lawlessness at Oluasiri. Hear him: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div> "The state government knows too well that Oluasiri is the seat of the gas plant and is 'the Bakassi of Bayelsa State through which the state government receives billions of Naira monthly from the federation account."</div><div>He calls on the present administration of the state to amongst other things:</div><div>1. Take urgent steps to correct this abysmal security laxity that the predecessors to the present goverment failed to address over the years that had made Oluasiri a place of lawlessness.</div><div>2. The Bayelsa Government should bring development and employment to Oluasiri because of its contributions to the cake of the state.</div><div>3. I would suggest that the Bayelsa State Governor pay a visit to Oluasiri to assertain the paucity of security and development in the area so as to find necessary solutions.</div><div>4. It is also important for Government to invite stakeholders of Oluasiri and of Chiefs of Opu Nembe Bassambiri.Council of Chiefs to a meeting to.delibrate on how to restore Oluasiri to her lost glories in the state. </div><div>Concerned about the insensitivity of the Bayelsa State Government on the boundary issue over the years, Barrister Iniruo Wills spoke in this light:</div><div>"There is low interest and poor handling of the boundary matter causing mysterious and perplexing judicial outcomes on the boundary axis."</div><div>He asserted that:</div><div>5.There is also a breakdown in community leadership, I would like to therefore call on the leadership of the community to wake up to the challenges ahead with a view to repositioning and or returning the Oluasiri clan to the fast lane of peace and development.<br></div><div>He concluded by saying:</div><div>"Oluasiri was not like this when there was security presence and people were going about their normal businesses and children were subjected to parental authority."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>He called on the community leadership to shun catelism but to galvanize all Oluasiri people with a view to nipping in the bud the ugly trends of violent attacks and killings perpetrated without restraints over the period, due to security laxity in the area. </div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-77501716801601228152020-08-19T14:56:00.000-07:002020-08-20T03:32:23.045-07:00NCDMB TOWER BUILDING COMMISSIONED IN BAYELSA, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMENDS MANAGEMENT TEAMThe President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari had given commendation to the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) for timeously completing the 17 storey building Board <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>headquarters in the Bayelsa State capital Yenagoa.<div>The President who gave the commendation at the occasion of the virtual commissioning of the project spoke on the vision of his administration towards national content development. Hear him:</div><div>"The completion of this project reflects our drive to provide infrastructure across the country to serve as mechanism for investments and enable us on job creation and eradication of poverty.</div><div>"This commissioning brings to the fore the importance of local content of all activities in our national life. I believe strongly, local production of our goods and services is one of the.surest ways to empower our citizens and give the vital opportunities to excel in their chosen professions and business endeavors."</div><div>He clearly stated that: "This is two of the executive orders issued under our goverment are reliable to enforce local content to further recruitment and further replicate the successes being realized in the Oil and Gas industry, said the President.</div><div>He directed the Minister of petroleum for State, Chief Timipre Sylva to Commission the project.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muhammadu Buhari at the visual commissioning of the high rising tower building, commended the Management and staff of NCDMB led by the Executive Secretary Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote for impressive performance, while urging them to keep the tempo.<br></div><div>Chief Timipre Sylva, Nigeria's Minister of petroleum for State assigned by the President to officially commission the building, while speaking at the occasion made a stertling revelation about the role he played at the early stages of the project and now. </div><div>Hear him:</div><div>"This to me is a very emotional moment because some years ago, when the NCDMB headquarters was sited at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, I was Governor and had the privilege at that time to have allocated this plot of land for this edifice.</div><div>So, I was part of the begining, but as all of you know, for some moment, I thought I was no longer part of this project;</div><div>but today, by the grace of God and by the grace of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am again part of the completion. So, you can understand why it's a very emotional moment for me..</div><div>"This project as far as I am concern, is a salute to Mr. President's avowed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>commitment to continuity. Mr. President had never played politics with development, that's why although the foundation of this project were laid in 2015, before the advent of his presidency, he ensured that this project continued and completed.</div><div>"I am very delighted and highly appreciative of Mr. President and NCDMB for the commissioning of this magnificent building in Bayelsa State. The completion of this project is a key achievement in the portfolio of priorities given to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the next level agenda."</div><div>The Oil.Minister thanks President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership, he continually provides for those in the Ministry and the entire country to ensure that the narrative of the oil industry has changed from obscurity to transparency, and transpire in development.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The commissioning of the project according to Chief Timipre Sylva, was symbolic in many ways: "It shows Mr. President is Keen to see infrastructural development in every part of the country, it shows that skyscrapers and other laudable infrastructures can be built also in the Niger Delta, it shows that indigenous contractors can perform wonders when given the opportunities, it shows that the people of Bayelsa and indeed the entire Niger Delta are receptive to development and it shows that Nigerian Content is here to stay"</div><div>The former Governor highlighted that parts of what he called symbolic development was the construction of a 3rd Megawatts gas fired power plant in partnership with NAOC Joint venture to service the new headquarters in the NCDMB industrial park under construction.</div><div>The gas fired power plant, as the Oil Minister made it clear was 'just a tip of the iceberg as the Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the direction of Mr. President was set to unlock opportunities in the gas resources of the country instead of just quoting the statistics of the gas endowment of the nation every year.</div><div>"Our declaration of 2020 as the year of gas is not a fluke. Throughout this year 2020 and beyond, our focus for gas development will be significant from export gas to demestic gas.."</div><div>Emphasizing more on the use of gas, the Oil Minister said: </div><div>"We will develop our energy to unlock the gas beyond the ground and eliminate the wastage of the flames.."</div><div>He used the medium to call on local and international investors to join goverment efforts for the benefit of all.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Chief Sylva gave kudos to the people of Swali Community, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, the Nigerian Company, Mega Star and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB and his management team for the completion of the laudable project..."</div><div>Also speaking the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has this to say:</div><div>"...it is my great pleasure to attend this visual presidential commissioning of this 17 storey headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development Management Board in Yenagoa and the 10 Megawatts gas flare Independent power plant at Elebele I. Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.'</div><div>Governor Diri in a spirit of elation spoke as follows;</div><div>" On this historic and very special occasion, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for providing the strong political will and backing to continue with this project and bring it to conclusion timeously .</div><div>" Mr. President, the people of Bayelsa are saying thank you, the people of Bayelsa are saying- nua.</div><div>"My warm congratulations to sons of the soil, our own brother, the man who has piloted this project, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Simbi Kesiye Wabote and his entire team for the successful completion of this gigantic tower.</div><div>"Now, that this outstanding structure has been built, the easthtics of Bayelsa in Yenagoa has changed. It is time to face the business of helping to build the economy and lives of the people of this state and indeed Nigerians."</div><div>Governor Diri was emphatic on the implementation of the mandate by the NCDMB the Governor remarked thus:</div><div>"In accordance with mandate of the Board and in line with the World Bank Initiated local content policy document. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing the world to think in creating an interdependent ways. We should plan from this episode and escape the inevitable pandemic of agitations that will break out; if communities are not factored into development equation.</div><div>He used the medium to Congratulate partners of the State, the Nigeria Agip Oil Company that has been in Bayelsa since 1962, urged and pleads with the company to relocate her headquarters to Yenagoa. Hear him:</div><div>"Most of your operations are domiciled in Bayelsa, and it will be good your headquarters be relocated to Bayelsa."</div><div>Senator Diri said, his administration was ready to partner and dialogue with companies and corporate bodies to settle down in the state by creating enabling environment to all.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The Executive Secretary of the Board,.Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote in his Welcome Address spoke homorously as follows:</div><div>" am not a man gifted to emotions while making speeches or making presentations, but today, I.am sincerely filled with emotions.</div><div>Permit me if I faulter in the process, but I hope not.</div><div>"Today, marks the long awaited hour set aside to commission our magnificent headquarters building and the 10 Megawatts gas fired power plant built in partnership with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Joint Venture as a capacity development Initiative standing tall at 70 metres, the main building represents hope that is visible from afar and near to... development."</div><div>Graphically explaining the component of the high rising building, the E.S said:</div><div>"Site construction started in the fourth quarter of 2015 and we've turned back to ensure that we finish what we started. About half of what you see on the surface is buried below to keep the building standing and provide structural foundation support, using 207 piles each at 800 millimeter diameter driven to 30 meters dept as the foundation carrying this structure."</div><div>Engr Wabote who went further, stated that:</div><div>The ground floor area of the building is 30 thousand square metres, equivalent to four football fields and able to accommodate more than one thousand (1000) walk space for our own use and for the use of other occupants of the building.</div><div>"We put a lot of thought into design of the building, not only to bring out it's edifice but to also focus on the subsequent usage covering the agronomics acostate security, safety, energy efficiency and maintenance"</div><div>Some of the specifics according to him, include the use of fire retardants, intelligence building, management systems that cut down power consumption by 25% provision of over hanging cradle under roofed slabs ... to clean sides of the building..."</div><div>He gave kudos to the major contractor, 'Mega Star' and other sub- contractors who he said were all local Nigerian Architects who designed and supervised the execution... worked day and nights and delivered the world class project, as he calls it, "...with impressive safety standards. </div><div>"The materials used is 76 percent Nigerian Content with the tiles, electric cables, granites and other building materials, the manpower on services and labor is over 95% Nigerian Content, the skills transferred to the local workforce in the construction of high rise building has been unprecedented.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>While appreciating the uncommon feat achieved so far the NCDMB boss expressed his feelings thus:</div><div>"We are proud of the end to end thinking that went into the design and execution of this project which is typical of Nigerian Content.</div><div>"If statistics is anything to.go by, I am told that, this is the tallest building in the South South region and the South East region of the Nigerian geo-political."</div><div>He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for enabling the NCDMB for achiecing the great feat and for giving all the support in his desire to create and build a lot of infrastructure in the country.</div><div>Goodwill Messages came from the pioneer Executive <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Secretaries of the Board,. Engr.Ernest Nwapa, E.S Arc. Denzil Kentebe, HRH Chief Wilcox Seiyefa Job and others who all spoke well of the completion and commissioning of the historic project.</div><div><br></div></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-82494416532428643222020-08-12T17:49:00.000-07:002020-08-12T17:49:33.851-07:00STAKEHOLDERS PRESENT PAPERS ON KINGSHIP OF OPU NEMBE KINGDOMWith a view to streamline processes of electing a new Amanyanabo of Nembe Bassambiri Kingdom, the Opu Nembe Council of Chiefs had received in audience two groups of stakeholders made up of academicians, and professionals in an emergency meeting held at the First Nembe Town.Hall Friday, 1st August, 2020.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>The first was: "A PROPOSAL BY: OPU-NEMBE CONCERNED INDIGENES TO THE OPU-NEMBE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS..." </div><div>The spokesperson of the above group and it's Co-ordinator, Elder Okene Simon Peter highlighted the content of their presentation thus:<br><div>"A MODEST PROPOSAL: THE IMPERATIVE FOR ONE DYNASTY FOR A UNITED KINGDOM"</div><div>Elder Peter Okene hinged his presentation on the need for the land and people to acknowledge the fact that visionary societies always focus on rapid growth.</div><div>Hear him: </div><div>"Substantial community development remainst the dream of all societies. The history of many societies, including ours have thought us , this is guaranteed, if and only if, the changes necessary for each development are timely recognized and effected by a committed leadership in an atmosphere of peace and unity.</div><div>"Humbly and respectfully, we the under-sigmed sons and daughters of Opu Nembe Concerned Indigenes wish to observe and state as follows:</div><div>"1. We appreciate the event that led to the adoption of the dual dynasty system operated in Opu Nembe since 1978, and the good reasons that informed that historic decision. It was indeed one of the best decisions that was ever taken in the annals of Opu Nembe political history and culture.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"2. That we equally appreciate the dividends, progress and challenges our beloved Kingdom has experienced on account of that revolutionary decision. While some, as all Opu Nembe patriots know, have been very and wonderful, others have created some instability, stagnation and retrogression:</div><div>"3. That in the current stage of our evolution as a Kingdom, it is expedient that we pause and ponder on the need for further changes in the processes and qualifications necessary for selecting our future Amanyanabo:</div><div>"4. That from our observations, limiting the seach to just one Royal dynasty at time as it has been the practice since the 1978 decision is no longer in the interest of majority of the Indigenes of our kingdom, if sustainable community development remains our ultimate dream:</div><div>"By the very fact that the history of many societies including ours have taught us, we need to make further changes necessary for the attainment of the goal of selecting a committed leader in an atmosphere of peace and unity:</div><div>"Consequent upon the foregoing, we hereby propose as follows:</div><div>"a. That the current dual dynastic system of monarchy be modified:</div><div>"b. That in it's place, a single, unified dynastic system be instituted:</div><div>"c. That in line with the reality of our history and culture as a kingdom, the proposed single, unified dynasty should be a consolidation (merger) of the existing Ogbodo and Mein dynasties, both in the naming and numerical traditions:</div><div>'d. That in terms of nomenclature, therefore, it should be known and referred to either as the "Ogbodo-Mein Dynasty" or the "Mein- Ogbodo dynasty", although the first is apparently, more appropriate, historically and chronologically speaking:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"e. That if 'd' above is açceptable, the following scenario is anticipated"</div><div>"Most humbly, our Lords spiritual and temporal, are convinced that, if this is followed through a number of positive and progressive dividends would be realized.</div><div>"a. It would help in creating wider space for selecting the Amanyanabo-ship candidates;</div><div>"b. It would promote a greater degree of merit and produce the best qualified candidates and eventually, the Amanyanabo:</div><div>"c.It would promote social cohesion and political inclusiveness in the leadership system:</div><div>"d. It would help in reducing the tendency of making by the Amanyanabo looking sectional and parochial. This has often been the weaknesses of the dual dynastic monarchical system operated presently.</div><div>"e. Ultimately, this will also produce a better Amanyanabo sufficiently equipped to meet the local, national and international challenges of the 21st century Opu Nembe...."</div></div><div>In a related development, a 2nd Group called: "THE OPU NEMBE (NEMBE BASSAMBIRI) CONSCIENCE GROUP" made a paper presentation titled: "OPU NEMBE (NEMBE BASSAMBIRI) KINGDOM AND KINGSHIP"</div><div>The group gave historic account of King Obia yai Ogbodo who ruled as the last King of a united Nembe at Ogbolomabiri, when he Founded Bassambiri, crossed over and lived there as the 1st King Ogbodo of the Kingdom.</div><div>The group led by Gasi Biobaragba, who in his took a bold step through the archives of history said:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"Kala Ekule ... begat Peresuo and Okorotei, Peresuo begat Obia and Obia begat Ogbodo. Meanwhile, Okorotei begat Opo and Opo begat Mein through a woman called Ina, Ina the mother of Mein was married from Tombia, Ekpetiama Community by King Ogbodo with big dowry but had no child with her before he died.</div><div>" Thereafter she had a child with Opo Ogio's grandson. But from the Nembe practice matrilineal tradition hence any child born by Ina shall all be of Ogbodo including King Mein ... to have occupied the Bassambiri throne.</div><div>" Furthermore, since King Ogbodo married Ina the mother of Mein with big dowry, Ogbodo had become the sole parent and his property. Therefore, any product from Ina including herself belong to Ogbodo. King Duguruyai and King Arisimo are direct children of Mein. Meanwhile, Ebifa is the son of Duguruyai, Oguara and Ben Wari are all grand children of Mein in the lineage of Ogbodo."</div><div>Clarifying the platform of Opu Nembe Bassambiri Kings in history that Group pointed out, saying:</div><div>"It is not farfetched that King Ben Wari in his presentation to the Commission of Inquiry in the Nembe Chieftaincy dispute under the Sole Commissioner, O. Ukelonu from 11th-20th September.1959 showed that King Ben Wari stood on the platform of King Ogbodo and not King Mein. ... This is evident in the ... report of the inquiry ... signed by O. Ukelonu (Sole Commissioner) in 1959 .. released in an official document No 24 of 1960..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"Opu Nembe may have had a good day as both parties ended the exercise in resolving that Ogbodo (Amakoromo), his children and Mein his (Ogbodo) daughter son's children will rule the kingdom in succession. Notably numbering the Kings from each group distinctly and separately and not adding them together implies two kingdoms and two.founders at the same time or other on a different piece of land devoid of any relationship between the two."</div><div>The Group went further as follows:</div><div>"Sadly we are talking of one indivisible land and people, one ancient well, one national deity and priest, one national shrine (Suotugu) one opubio (arena of the initiated), one national supreme court (Ibidikiri) one national water front (opupogu), one cemetery ( duedibiyo), one evil forest (seipiri), one ogilolo (spiritual harbour), one opolotiri (townsquare) etc..."</div><div>On the unification of the dynasties, and what name should be used as Amanyanabo of Opu Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri the Group posited as follows:</div><div>" More than sufficient evidence abound to the authenticity of Ogbodo as the only and sole founder and ruler in his own time and children. Opu Nembe has ever been and still OGBODO AMA. Both ancient and contemporary undeniable records, oral tradition, and ... folklore all accede this fact. It has been irrevocably rendered in songs by all national priests (Nembe Temesuosiba ongu) "Ogbodo is the diadem in all traditional rites and rituals even at the national shrine (Suotugu) to this day..."</div><div>Relying on the above points, the Opu Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri) Conscience Group expressed appreciation to those who muted the laudable idea to correct what they called, age long error of operating dual dynastical order in Opu Nembe Bassambiri, while describing the call for harmonization of names of all passed kings serially and to choose a single title for all future Kings as a most welcome devolopment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Hear this:</div><div>"A single title model for Opu Nembe.(Nembe Bassambiri) Amanyanabo becomes imperative to sustain, preserve and internationalize our collective history and.descent...The single title model promote our identity... It will not be out of place if we consolidate our common heritage by applying the title Ogbodo to our Kings in Opu Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri)..</div><div>"Surfice it to say over and above all dynastical inclinations, Ogbodo remains the soul and only title for any Amanyanabo of Opu-Nembe (Nembe Bassambiri), they also concluded.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The Opu Nembe Bassambiri Chiefs Council, led by Chief D.I Oriango Ekpeleyai-Oruwari after receiving the papers, thanked the two groups for their worthwhile presentations, while giving assuances that the Council will come out with an acceptable position in the next Scheduled General Meeting.</div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-39652592706314725662020-08-11T02:48:00.000-07:002020-08-13T07:55:28.134-07:00 HOW WE FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF COVID-19 IN BAYELSA STATE- DR. INODU APOKUIntroduction: The global pandemic that ravaged across the world in 2020 called Coronavirus or Covid-19 killed over millions of people which led to a gathering by the leadership of World Health Organization (WHO) which came out with measures to tackle the pandemic.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>The ravages of the Coronavirus pandemic threatened all nations, and did not even spare advanced nations such as the United States, the UK, China where the disease was born, Italy etc.</div><div>All nations battled for survival of their people. The leader of Africa's largest and most populous nation, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria raised an alarm and came out with the protocols by the ((W.H.O) through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to the states, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri without waste of time constituted a Committee with a seasoned Medical Doctor in the State to take the lead in the 'titanic' battle of Covid-19.</div><div>With a view to updating information on how the state Government fought the ferocious Coronavirus pandemic, our medium, Golden Pen Newspaper visited the office of the appropriate Senior Government Official at the State Secretariat, Yenagoa for an interview.</div><div>Excerpts:</div><div>Golden Pen: I am Otonye Evans Tubonah, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Golden Pen Newspaper print and on-line. Am in your office to get an update on the battle of Covid-19, but before we proceed, could you please tell the public your name and office?</div><div>Ans: I am Dr. Inodu Nathaniel Apoku (KSA) the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Bayelsa State, and the Co-Chairman of the mult- sectoral Committee responsible for the management of Covid-19.</div><div>Ques: What can you tell Bayelsans and the world about the Coronavirus pandemic war situation in the State?</div><div>Ans: Well, we have gone a very long way. In February when the issues of Covid-19 ravaging the entire world as a pandemic came into being. We thank God that we are in a place to be used as instruments in this fight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>By his grace we have done it, we fought Covid to a stand still. Covid-19 started at Wuhan in China ... with symptoms and signs like: Fever, Lose of appetite, Sorethroat, Lose of smell, and Body pains. </div><div>And by this February, the symptoms were seen amongst our people in the State. I think our first index case was seen 27th of February amongst the civil servants who claimed that he had no contact with anybody and had no history of haven travelled out of Bayelsa State. He was picked up and screened and it turned out to be positive. Samples were collected from his entire household. His wife was positive, their three children were also not free. </div><div>They became the first index case of COVID-19 in Bayelsa State. </div><div>Ques: What measures did you take to arrest the situation that been your first case?</div><div>Ans: Immediately the cases were identified we made provision quickly and took them to isolation center and a Professor of infectious diseases.who himself is the CMD of the Okolobiri.General Hospital was in-charge of the management of the patients.</div><div>Then some protocols were made for people t<b>o</b> follow. First we had to train our people, all medical personnel in the state were trained..</div><div>We brought out all those in the private sector and started training them in the management of COVID-19 protocols:</div><div>* Washing of hands</div><div>* Use of sanitizers</div><div>* Wearing of mask</div><div>* Maintaining social distance</div><div>All of these were mentioned to the people being trained. The training were being replicated even at the local government areas.</div><div>" We came down and formed an E.O.C Emergency Operational Center, where every 4, O Clock, people gathered together to brainstorm on ways of how to manage this disease.</div><div> because Covid-19 patients cannot be treated along with other regular diseased persons.</div><div>And E.O.C was advised to be replicated at the primary level, the Local Government level, and Local Government Chairmen were given the authority to be Chairmen of implementation committees in their respective Local Government Areas. So we started all of these, we quickly also provided a quarantine center.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>People were asked to isolate themselves in their homes, they that were not able to properly isolate themselves were taken to quarantine centers. Government made provisions at quarantine centers in Yenagoa. Also, a place was designated to collect samples from people who came down with the symptoms of the disease. Those who had symptoms like:</div><div>* Fever, lose of appetite, sorethroath, lose of smell, and body pain.samples were collected and we were going to Benin, because we had no center of our own. And from time to time patients were taken there. Those who turned to be positive were sent to the isolation centers treatments follow immediately.</div><div>Ques: Ministries of the state Civil Service were almost closed down, what informed that decision?</div><div>Ans: We noticed that, and as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), we knew that the disease because of its level of infectivity does not encourage a group of people gathering together in a place, and the state government now said, because of that reason those who are at level 01-12 should stay at home to reduce gathering of large number of people in a place. Uptil now they have not been called back, we are considering the possibility of calling them back to work. The decision was informed by the fact that the disease spread so fast when people gather together in a place.</div><div>And if you noticed, we have many of those people in the work force. So, goverment now decided and said, Yes! Go home, we are going to pay your salaries and uptil now they have been at home.</div><div>It was a.wise.decision taken by the management team in the ministries so that we.don't unnecessarily infest ourselves, and even take it back to our homes.</div><div>Ques: When the Government ordered the lockdown, what.steps were taken to chushion the effect of their hardship?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Ans: You know we were one of the earliest states to start lockdown as.a.way to mitigate the spread of the disease, and you can see that all of it has come down well with us, and at a point the Churches were asked to close. There was no Church service and markets were also destroyed, illegal structures where people use to hang out and form a crowd were also.destroyed. All of it were means to mitigate the spread of the disease. Two major markets were brought to size. Illegal structures where all manner of people congregate to gossip and talk were destroyed, and people were asked to vacate all those places.</div><div>Ques: How many times did this state government give palliatives to cushion the suffering of the lockeddown masses, and how did they feel?</div><div>Ans: I was not involved, because I was in-charge of identifying who were really sick and see that they were properly treated and discharged. But I know that Government made provision, large amount of money was provided for the purchase of palliatives: rice, garri etc and they were given out according to Local Government Areas, and people became excited and on the side of government, we actually saw that COVID-19 can be pursued and driven out of our state, and we are very happy because we were able to reduce its level of infectivity, as people were restricted to their houses.</div><div> Concerned with the welfare of the masses the state government assisted them with palliatives while they stayed at home to.get foof to eat. So, a lot of people were quite excited and happy.about it.</div><div>Ques: Just for the purposes of records, can you mention names of members of the COVID-19 Committee of the State?</div><div>Ans: I wouldn't go into that, it's quite an extensive one. We had.two Committees: the implementating Committee, multi-sectoral Committee where the Governor himself is.the Chairman, am co-Chair with him. Then the implementating Committee, I am solly the Chairman. Then we have sub- implementing Committee on Security, manned by Sparrow Jack, a retired Commissioner of Police, a very intelligent and proactive man, they are basically in-charge of enforcement of all the policies that we had put in place viz. closing down of Churches. ...we set up a monitoring Committee especially for Churches on Sundays and also for the Mosques on Fridays to see if they are adhearing to the principles and protocols of COVID-19.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>So, all of those things are going-on, the implementing Committee was formed basically by those who volunteered. And it was the volunteers that we used at the entry points to screen those who were coming in.</div><div>In the course of all these we discovered that a lot of people from the North who really had nothing to do in the State were coming in their numbers. When we identified those group of people we asked them to go back.</div><div>But at the border those who were carrying essentials; food items, drugs and water were allowed to come in after being screened. That was how we operated until this time. So far...we had total number of 5000 samples collected from people for screening. A total of confirmed cases, we had about 339 persons screened and confirmed positive. Out of this number 284 had been treated well and discharged. Over 90% of our patients went back home well.</div><div>unfortunately we lost 21 persons.</div><div>Cut-in, did we lose some of our prominent persons too?</div><div>Ans: Yes, very prominent persons also died. Chief Dokpola and Dr. Kosipre who was CMD of Hospitals Management Board died because of it. It's unfortunate, it happened. That is the sad end of it, we are still working to see that Bayelsa is free. It's still ongoing, all the protocols are still being observed. We have seen that COVID-19 itself is easing out that's why the Governor has graciously permitted the worship of middle services in all of the Churches and even amongst Moslems...</div><div>So far so good, we have done very well, the state also had done very well, the implementating Committee and every other team have done well.</div><div>Ques: You said, the state Government, and all the Committees have done well, what do you have to say about the Governor and you, talking about relationship in the COVID-19 battle in the state?</div><div>Ans: I have a very free access to him, he personally goes to the entry points to see how we are doing the screening, and to be sure that people are there at all times doing their normal works in terms of enforcement and implementation of the protocols that had been prescribed for the management of COVID-19.</div><div>So, he had been very supportive every point and time. He always want to know what we are doing or had done. We never lacked any material to work with. His disposition had been quite encouraging, like am telling you, I had undisturbed access, any time I call, he picks my calls and we discussed modalities of how to go about it...</div><div>Ques: Let's talk about the re-opening of schools, what are the modalities?</div><div>Ans: The Governor in following the trend has come to realize that infectivity had reduced, plus or minus, for weeks, we've not had any case. He said, this is the time we should talk about opening of schools.</div><div>And as a.very proactive Governor, he just didn't want to say: schools be re-opened, No! He first consulted with the management team, the medical team and they gave him a very wise counsel and invited those who are in the public service, as well the Ministry of Education to come in and we instituted a training.</div><div>A one day training for trainers who would go down to the Local Government Areas to Cascade the form of training, they had in the LGAS. Training is all about the protocols of COVID-19.</div><div>A monitoring team had also been constituted to ensure compliance.</div><div>Golden Pen: Thank you, Mr. Chairman for being with us.</div><div>Dr. Apoku. Thank you!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-38828094750526831932020-07-20T01:10:00.001-07:002020-07-20T11:28:59.750-07:00TENSION IN THE NIGER DELTA BECAUSE OF SHELL PROJECT, RIVERS/BAYELSA ON A KEG OF GUNPOWDER, GROUPS PETITION ENVIRONMENT MINISTER FOR INTERVENTIONThere are strong indications that two sister states in the Niger Delta Region, South-South Nigeria, Rivers and Bayelsa are 'sitting on a keg of gunpowder' planted by the Oil major Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div> It is common knowledge that, Shell Nigeria Limited many years ago created the boundary problems between the people of Nembe and Kalabari in today's Rivers and Bayelsa States. That time, during their seismic exploration and exploitations according to historical records Shell brazenly without consultations with Oil bearing communities named oil fields and locations after other communities as in the case of Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and Kalabari in the Akukutoru Local Government Area of Rivers State.<div>For that Oluasiri/ Soku Oil fields, Oil Wells and NLNG, for which Shell Nigeria Limited had showed no remorse over the wrongfull naming of Oil fields at Robertkiri in Oluasiri Nembe in the Nembe Local Government Area to Soku in Akukutoru Local Government Area of Rivers State, which had made the boundary area volatile.</div><div>It is also on record that before Shell came to the Niger Delta, the people of Nembe and Kalabari were in peace, like a people of the same family, fishing and trading together in their cities and fishing ports. </div><div>But by that dastardly act of wrongful naming of Oil Locations and Fields Shell planted a seed of discord amongst the neighbors which resulted to animosity, violent activities and wars that claimed lives and property of fellow Ijaw, fellow Nigerians in their own lands and territories. </div><div>Shell know too well that Akukutoru Local Government of Rivers State and Nembe Local Government Area and Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa and Abua in Abua Local Government Area of Rivers State.</div><div>Impacted communities of Nembe LGA include Bassambiri, Ogbolomabiri Oluasiri, Agrisaba, Mini, Ikensi, Okoroba, and Okoroma communities. Impacted in Ogbia LGA include the people of Abureni communities share a common boundary and there is no way Shell could embark on a project from Akukutoru to Brass without passing through these boundary communities.</div><div>This to the eyes of the ordinary man is a move by Shell to cause another problem between Rivers and Bayelsa State, possibly to create another security problem and iminent crisis for Nigerians in the Niger Delta Region.</div><div>The 'Albatross' on the neck of the masses especially the people of Nembe and Akukutoru Local Government Areas of the sister states is that Shell has come out with another controversial project called:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>"ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDIES FOR THE JK EXPLORATION AND APPRAISAL WELLS PROJECT IN AKUKUTORU AND DEGEMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF RIVERS STATE AND BRASS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE DRAFT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ABUJA MARCH 2020."</div><div>Giving a "BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION OF THE 3RD EE-SHOOT SEISMIC DATA AQUISITIOM IN OIL MINING LEASE (OML) 74 AND 77, SHALLOW OFFSHORE IN NIGER DELTA"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>On the location of the project, Shell has this to say:</div><div>"...The planned surface coverage area for this seismic survey is about 2,218 square kilometres and span from Akukutoru LGA in Rivers State to Brass LGA in Bayelsa State and will cover HA, HB, HD, ABC, BLKG and JK fields."</div><div>Under "PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND DESCRIPTION" Shell said:</div><div>"... A detailed site development program shall be prepared during this stage, taking into consideration the type of fascilities, structures and drilling fluids most suited for the project. Consultations and meetings with stakeholders (regulatory bodies, government agencies and contractors, coastal communities, etc) are prominent features of this phase."</div><div>From this analysis, it is clear that Shell had since conducted or carried out Impact Assessment, met with stakeholders and submitted Report to the Federal Ministry of Environment without involving the Nembe Local Government Area that is between the Akukutoru and Brass Local Government Areas of Rivers and Bayelsa States.</div><div>In a protest letter addressed to the Honorable Minister of Environment.dated.12-06-2020 by a body called:</div><div> "SWAMP AREA OIL & GAS PRODUCING COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATION, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA", led by Deputy Chief I.G . Smith-Ngo and H.H Douglas Onungu wrote:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Osagie Okunbor Shell MD</div><div>"PROTEST AGAINST FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOR NON-DISPLAY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) ON THE JK EXPLORATION AND APPRAISAL WELLS PROJECT IN RIVERS AND BAYELSA DRAFT REPORT"</div><div>"With profound regard, we the swamp Area and Gas producing communities Association, Bayelsa State, Nigeria ... collaboration with Bayelsa State East Senatorial District Environmental Anti-degradation management Committee, express our dislike about the non-display of the Environmental impact Assessment studies for the JK exploration and appraisal Wells project in Akukutoru Areas of Rivers State and Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. We make demands that you use your good offices to send copies of the documents and extend the display period to more 21 days because the documents are nowhere to be found. The availability of the booklets shall enable the affected communities make comments.</div><div>, we make this solemn appeal to come to our aid the provision of the said booklets and extension of the display period."</div></div><div>When a copy of the booklets was received by the State Ministry of Environment from the Federal Ministry of Environment for display, it was discovered that Shell did not include Nembe Local <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Government Area as impacted according to H.H Douglas who raised alarm after going through the report, in an interview with Golden Pen Newspaper in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, hear him:</div><div>" These are the things Shell has been doing over the years to create unnecessary tensions and wars in the Niger Delta, this attitude of introducing parochial business ideas, sidelining communities and creating divide and rule tactics that were crisis prone to neighbors ."</div><div>He called on the Honorable Minister for Environment to call Shell to order for the interest of peace, to involve the Nembe Local Government Area in the project and also to carry out Impact Assessment in the Local Government Area and every other activities done at Akukutoru and Brass Local Government Areas in lieu of the project.</div><div>H.H Onungu who expressed concern over the development noted that border communities between Akukutoru and Nembe are now sleeping with one eye open for fear of the unknown.</div><div>He used the medium to also call on the Oil Minister, Chief Timipre Sylva to wade in, in order to nip in the bud the looming danger between the two sister communities, Nembe and Kalabari in particular/Rivers and Bayelsa in general.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>When our medium visited the State Ministry of Environment, the Permanent Secretary and the H.O.D said the Ministry had received protests from many quarters and petitions against the non exclusion of Nembe in the Impact Assessment Report.</div><div>Efforts to reach the Chairman of Nembe Local Government Council, Hon. Alalibo West to comment on the development was unsuccessful unto press time.</div><div>Golden Pen reliably gathered that the Nembe Local Government Council had forwarded a petion to the appropriate quarters to correct the anomalies associated to the project. </div><div><br></div>Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3686116030551718963.post-20911988701408820042020-07-04T02:27:00.000-07:002020-07-04T04:42:12.351-07:00ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRACTIONS IN BAYELSA: POLITICAL FAILURES, LEAVE DIRI AND EWHRUDJAKPO ALONEThe Bayelsa State governorship election held on November 16 2019 across the state ended properly on the.14th of February 2020, when His/Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and His/Excellency, the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhurudjakpo were declared winners following an historic landmark judgement by the Apex Court of the largest African nation, Nigeria, which nullified the victory of the APC and crowned the PDP to govern the state.<br />
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This wasn't a secret but a matter.of public knowledge even to the deaf and the dumb in our country and beyond.<br />
Despite that, our politicians continued to engage the Governor and the Deputy Governor in the theater of Legal battles, which had given a devastating blow to Bayelsa in the area of giving us under development.<br />
That has become the scar on the face of our dear state Bayelsa, a deep scar, a bleeding scar of endless political battles resulting in retrogression, stagnation with an embarrassing and excruciating poverty in the midst of plenty or surplus.<br />
This should be a food for thought to all Bayelsans; especially the political class, because it is the voice of Wisdom telling us that:<br />
"A man, A community, A state or A nation fighting wars cannot embark on development project."<br />
how come then that, one Mr. Vijah Opuama, a political neophyte, a self acclaimed Governorship Candidate of one unknown and ofcourse a faceless political party in Nigeria, they called Liberation Movement (LM),</div>
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What really beat the imagination of the minds of rational thinkers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria and the world are the following questions:</div>
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*Where was Vijay Opuama before and during the Bayelsa State Governorship election of November 16, 2020, where was his political party Secretariat in the state capital, Yenagoa and at the eight Local Government Areas, the so called Liberation Movement (LM)?</div>
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*Who was the running mate to the controversial self acclaimed Governorship candidate, Vijay Opuama, and who contested with him at the party primary, if there was?</div>
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" All the parties that participated at that election took dates with INEC to do their primaries according to the tradition of the electoral umpire, INEC, what date was given the LM"s party primary in the state how was Mr. Opuama elected, and what was his score to emerge as the.guber candidate amongst who and who in the said 'imaginary party', 'invisible party' or 'ghost party'?</div>
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*When the political heavyweights , of Bayelsa of the People Democratic Party (PDP) with the former Governor of the State, His/Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson and of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) with His/Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva were on the stage of campaigns and or going through heavy political battles, using all kinds of weapons in their political arsenals to outwit each other, where was Opuama and his controversial 'Liberation Movement, and where were they moving to?</div>
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This reminds me of the parable of the Nembe Ijaw people that reads : 'posi faa, eke paga tiri-toi'</div>
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(In the absence of the cat, the rat comes on stage to perform.)</div>
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That is what Mr. Vijah Opuama and his behind the scene supporters came out to do in the absence of the above scenario.</div>
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It was from the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, that it came to public knowledge that Mr. Vijah Opuama and his ill-fated Liberation Movement were at the Tribunal to coupishly sack the Prosperity Government of Their Excellencies, the Executive Governor Senator Douye Diri and Lawrence Ewhurudjakpo the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State with a frivolous allegation about a Youth Corps Certificate the deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo submitted to INEC for his election. </div>
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With such a useless, baseless and unnecessary petetion, coupishly arranged and filed at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja to sack the Bayelsa State was published as follows:</div>
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A Governorship candidate of Liberation Movement (LP) in the last election in Bayelsa State, Vijah Opuama has approached the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja seeking the disqualification of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lawrence Ewhurudjakpo..."</div>
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This is wicked, very wicked and indeed devilsh. What did Ewhurudjakpo do to Vijah and those behind him that they want his disqualification now that the election matters have ended.</div>
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Playing the war drums at the time of peace is an act of abomination before God, and unacceptable to morality.</div>
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And as if that wasn't enough they went further and lied against the Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga, a man of integrity in an ill-fated voice recording that he had a discussion with that unknown Vijah Opuama appealing to him for cooperation because of the said baseless Tribunal matter.</div>
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Though it was my cardinal interest to be quiet over many things, as these things keep calling my attention, then I remembered what that great Bonny born political sage, Chief Harold Dapa Biriye of blessed memory said many years ago that:</div>
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" If God give you power to defend the and someone is being oppressed</div>
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Otonye Evans Tubonahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398742260073373763noreply@blogger.com0