AKANIMO SAMPSON
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR INTERNAL SECURITY, MINISTER TELLS OIL COMMUNITIES
NIGERIA's Environment Minister, Mr. John Odey, has charged oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta to take control of their internal security. The minister spoke just as the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, also charged communities to take advantage of the prevailing peace in the state to develop their local economies so as to be self reliant.
Acording to Mr. Odey, the amnesty programme to repentant militants in the volatile oil and gas region, was ''a collaborative programme between the Federal Government, states and the local communities'', stressing that the communities should be able to take care of their own internal security.
The minister pointed out that the impact of oil pollution in the Niger Delta was quite devastating. While at an impacted site at Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state, said solution must be sought to end the problem of bunkering before carrying out any remediation so as to solve the problems once and for all.
The Environment Minister and GovenoAmaechi spoke at an interview with newsmen shortly after inspecting some oil impacted sites at Ebubu with officials of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
Governor Amaechi noted that with the prevailing peace in the state, economies of some of the communities have started growing again as people are no longer hiding in their houses, but are able to come out to do their daily micro bu said progress was being made, but added that the programme is not conclusive yet until the people begins to see post amnesty projects.
Governor Amaechi also inspected the Model Secondary School, Ebubu – Eleme, where he directed that the fence demarcating the staff quarters be pulled down to have better aesthetic view of the environment.
Earlier the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP) led by Mr. Mike Cowing in collaboration with the Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah led Presidential Implementation committee on Environmental clean-up of oil impacted sites in Ogoni, had made a presentation of their updates on the assignment to Gov. Amaechi, leading up to the field visit.
Friday, February 26, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
CAMEROON, EQUATORIAL GUINEA IN HOT EXCHANGES
THIS is certainly not the best of times between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea as the two countries are accusing each other of subversive activities.
But the Cameroonian authorities are busy refutingclaims by Equatorial Guinea that the Cameroonian army launched aggression last week.
"Several media houses, especially the international ones, broadcast information alleging that Equatorial Guinea had been attacked by the Cameroonian defense forces," Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary told state radio and television on Thursday.
He condemned "the allegations," saying they appeared to have been caused by erroneous interpretation of the situation.
Bakary described the allegations as "very dangerous since the incident was just an ordinary occurrence."
He was making a reference to the incident that happened in the sea on Feb. 16, when "a security boat carrying four members of the (Cameroonian) Rapid Response Unit was found accidentally beyond the maritime border in the waters of Equatorial Guinea.
"These kinds of incidents happen frequently all over the world. For instance, it sometimes happens that the Nigerian ships enter unexpectedly the Cameroonian waters," Bakary told Xinhua on telephone.
He said he understood the reaction of Malabo, hoping the two Gulf of Guinea countries resolve the issue.
According to the Cameroonian communication minister, "this situation was caused by bad weather."
He said the soldiers were carrying out a maritime security mission in the Gulf of Guinea where oil companies operate in general, and the Bakassi region in particular.
The BIR (Rapid Response Unit) Delta is an elite squad of the Cameroonian army specialized in curbing organized crimes. It has been deployed to boost security of the Bakassi peninsula since the handover of this territory in August 2008 from Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Equatorial Guinea announced that it had suffered an attack on Feb. 17 from uncontrollable Cameroonian soldiers who wanted to steal a boat that was refilling from an oil tanker.
"A small but quick boat attempted to attack a ship that was refilling from a petrol tanker. It must have been the BIR soldiers of the Cameroonian army, but I am persuaded that the Cameroonian government will not agree," said Equatorial Guinea's Information Minister Osa Osa Ekoro.
"There were no deaths. We managed to pinpoint the boat with our radars and the assailants discovering that we had located them, decided to flee," he added.
The border between the two neighboring Central African countries has been closed for more than a year amid tensions over issues like immigration.
Towards the end of 2007, the Cameroonian government sent an aeroplane to Malabo to bring back its nationals.
In 2008, the abduction of an army colonel of Equatorial Guinea staying in Cameroon by Equatorial Guinea's intelligence services provoked a diplomatic spat between Yaounde and Malabo and culminated in the recalling of the Cameroonian ambassador to Equatorial Guinea.
"The relations between the two countries are good today since there is a mechanism that has been put in place to help resolve these kinds of incidents," the Cameroonian minister said.
A joint mission that was established by the two countries has been holding regular meetings in Yaounde and Malabo since 2007 for the demarcation of maritime borders.
CAMEROON, EQUATORIAL GUINEA IN HOT EXCHANGES
THIS is certainly not the best of times between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea as the two countries are accusing each other of subversive activities.
But the Cameroonian authorities are busy refutingclaims by Equatorial Guinea that the Cameroonian army launched aggression last week.
"Several media houses, especially the international ones, broadcast information alleging that Equatorial Guinea had been attacked by the Cameroonian defense forces," Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary told state radio and television on Thursday.
He condemned "the allegations," saying they appeared to have been caused by erroneous interpretation of the situation.
Bakary described the allegations as "very dangerous since the incident was just an ordinary occurrence."
He was making a reference to the incident that happened in the sea on Feb. 16, when "a security boat carrying four members of the (Cameroonian) Rapid Response Unit was found accidentally beyond the maritime border in the waters of Equatorial Guinea.
"These kinds of incidents happen frequently all over the world. For instance, it sometimes happens that the Nigerian ships enter unexpectedly the Cameroonian waters," Bakary told Xinhua on telephone.
He said he understood the reaction of Malabo, hoping the two Gulf of Guinea countries resolve the issue.
According to the Cameroonian communication minister, "this situation was caused by bad weather."
He said the soldiers were carrying out a maritime security mission in the Gulf of Guinea where oil companies operate in general, and the Bakassi region in particular.
The BIR (Rapid Response Unit) Delta is an elite squad of the Cameroonian army specialized in curbing organized crimes. It has been deployed to boost security of the Bakassi peninsula since the handover of this territory in August 2008 from Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Equatorial Guinea announced that it had suffered an attack on Feb. 17 from uncontrollable Cameroonian soldiers who wanted to steal a boat that was refilling from an oil tanker.
"A small but quick boat attempted to attack a ship that was refilling from a petrol tanker. It must have been the BIR soldiers of the Cameroonian army, but I am persuaded that the Cameroonian government will not agree," said Equatorial Guinea's Information Minister Osa Osa Ekoro.
"There were no deaths. We managed to pinpoint the boat with our radars and the assailants discovering that we had located them, decided to flee," he added.
The border between the two neighboring Central African countries has been closed for more than a year amid tensions over issues like immigration.
Towards the end of 2007, the Cameroonian government sent an aeroplane to Malabo to bring back its nationals.
In 2008, the abduction of an army colonel of Equatorial Guinea staying in Cameroon by Equatorial Guinea's intelligence services provoked a diplomatic spat between Yaounde and Malabo and culminated in the recalling of the Cameroonian ambassador to Equatorial Guinea.
"The relations between the two countries are good today since there is a mechanism that has been put in place to help resolve these kinds of incidents," the Cameroonian minister said.
A joint mission that was established by the two countries has been holding regular meetings in Yaounde and Malabo since 2007 for the demarcation of maritime borders.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
AMAECHI TO OGONI: FIGHT BUNKERING
The Rivers State Government has threatened to withdraw its support to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNED) remediation efforts in Ogoniland if the people fail to fight against illegal bunkering activities that have become a source of concern in the area.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this today during a meeting between the Presidential Implementation Committee on the clean up of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland, the leadership of United Nations’ Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Rivers State Government in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said reports of increased illegal bunkering activities in the area at this time when UNEP officials are engaged in the clean up of old oil spill sites in the area, calls for serious concern.
He therefore, directed the Secretary to the State Government Mr Magnus Abe, to convene a meeting of Ogoni stakeholders to urgently address the issue, noting that Ogoni elites and leaders must re-assure the federal and state government as well as the UNEP official of their collective resolve to fight illegal bunkering in the area.
The State Chief Executive noted that the stakeholders meeting has become imperative to avoid waste of money, time and energy in the clean up of impacted oil spill sites when the youths are engaged in causing more damage to the environment through their illegal bunkering activities.
Governor Amaechi said he would prefer if UNEP partners with the state government to provide potable water to all communities of Ogoniland rather than engage in providing social amenities that do not meet the greater needs of the people.
The governor noted that Rivers people are not the poorest in the country and questioned the rationale behind renewed illegal bunkering activities in the area, when the state government was doing a lot to improve the lives of the citizenry through the provision of social services.
Governor Amaechi blamed the people for chasing away investors from the area, through their criminal acts and warned them of the health hazards associated with environmental pollution, while urging community leaders to take responsibility of security issues in their areas.
The Minister of Environment Mr John Odey, who was also at the meeting, lauded the state government for providing adequate security and furnished office space for UNEP officials involved in the clean-up of impacted oil spill sites in Ogoniland.
r Odey also expressed appreciation to Governor Amaechi for his leadership role in the Niger Delta region particularly his efforts in ensuring the commencement of UNEP clean up exercise in Ogoniland.
he United Nations Environmental Project Coordinator Mr Michael Cowing in his presentation on the update of the project, said there are new oil spill sites caused by activities of saboteurs and cautioned against the continuation of the illegal activities.
Mr Cowing disclosed that the team had held consultations and sensitization with some Ogoni communities in course of the project and assured that their activities are in consonance with international best practices and sued for cooperation from the people.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogoni people, HRM King Godwin Gininwa, said the people are eager to see the actualization of the project, and urged the government to ignore such people to ensure the completion of the clean up in record time.
The Rivers State Government has threatened to withdraw its support to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNED) remediation efforts in Ogoniland if the people fail to fight against illegal bunkering activities that have become a source of concern in the area.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this today during a meeting between the Presidential Implementation Committee on the clean up of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland, the leadership of United Nations’ Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Rivers State Government in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said reports of increased illegal bunkering activities in the area at this time when UNEP officials are engaged in the clean up of old oil spill sites in the area, calls for serious concern.
He therefore, directed the Secretary to the State Government Mr Magnus Abe, to convene a meeting of Ogoni stakeholders to urgently address the issue, noting that Ogoni elites and leaders must re-assure the federal and state government as well as the UNEP official of their collective resolve to fight illegal bunkering in the area.
The State Chief Executive noted that the stakeholders meeting has become imperative to avoid waste of money, time and energy in the clean up of impacted oil spill sites when the youths are engaged in causing more damage to the environment through their illegal bunkering activities.
Governor Amaechi said he would prefer if UNEP partners with the state government to provide potable water to all communities of Ogoniland rather than engage in providing social amenities that do not meet the greater needs of the people.
The governor noted that Rivers people are not the poorest in the country and questioned the rationale behind renewed illegal bunkering activities in the area, when the state government was doing a lot to improve the lives of the citizenry through the provision of social services.
Governor Amaechi blamed the people for chasing away investors from the area, through their criminal acts and warned them of the health hazards associated with environmental pollution, while urging community leaders to take responsibility of security issues in their areas.
The Minister of Environment Mr John Odey, who was also at the meeting, lauded the state government for providing adequate security and furnished office space for UNEP officials involved in the clean-up of impacted oil spill sites in Ogoniland.
r Odey also expressed appreciation to Governor Amaechi for his leadership role in the Niger Delta region particularly his efforts in ensuring the commencement of UNEP clean up exercise in Ogoniland.
he United Nations Environmental Project Coordinator Mr Michael Cowing in his presentation on the update of the project, said there are new oil spill sites caused by activities of saboteurs and cautioned against the continuation of the illegal activities.
Mr Cowing disclosed that the team had held consultations and sensitization with some Ogoni communities in course of the project and assured that their activities are in consonance with international best practices and sued for cooperation from the people.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogoni people, HRM King Godwin Gininwa, said the people are eager to see the actualization of the project, and urged the government to ignore such people to ensure the completion of the clean up in record time.
AKANIMO SAMPSON
FRESH THREATS IN NIGER DELTA OVER JONATHAN
THE Niger Delta Patriotic Front (NDPF), a radical civil society group in the oil and gas region, has threatened to unleash fresh mayhem in the area if any harm is done to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, by those allegedly scheming to hold onto power at all cost.
The Central Working Committee of the group rose from a meeting on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, warning that they will fight back if any harm is done to Jonathan.
Briefing anxious newsmen at the end of their meeting at about 2.15pm, Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Dan Anderson, said they want the federal authorities to explain to the Nigerian people why the return of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua was handled in secret and why soldiers were deployed to take charge at the airport without the knowledge of the Acting President.
''We are of the view that the return of Yar'Adua would have been a canival with the Acting President, members of the Executive Council of the Federation, leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and virtually all sectors of Nigeria on ground to receive him. Since that was not done, we are of the view that the secret return of the president is an ill wind that will do our country no good''.
Continuing, Mr. Anderson said, ''participants at this meeting resolved to support the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), a militant group, in pushing for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference to determine the type of a country the Nigerian people want. We cannot be a great country with the mess of the past 92 days''.
NDPF said it has has the capacity to mobilise the active wings of the Niger Delta to inflict maximum damage on the country's oil and gas industry.
There were indications at the NDPF briefing that new insurgent groups in the delta would pop up in the weeks ahead as public functionaries continue to subvert the 1999 Constitution.
It is, however, far from certain whether NDPF. poses any serious threat to Western energy interests and to the Nigerian government. Besides their threat, there is the possibility that the group. could evolve into a threatening militant organization.
For instance, it is suspected that some of their grassroots leaders may have been involved in a small-scale bombing campaigns in 2006. Although NDPF has been described as a "radical organization," in July 2006 some of their affiliate. groups claimed credit for bombing the homes of a few individuals linked to some Nigerian politicians, for instance the home of the brother-in-law of the then Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, a medical doctor.
As part of NDPF.'s warning, it issued a number of demands, which are familiar grievances held by all of the political-militant groups in the delta, broadly, socio-economic, political and environmental justice.
In tangible terms, their demands include: the repeal of the Land Use Decree of 1978; the creation of more developmental agencies in the delta; properly funding the existing developmental agencies in the delta; employment of delta indigenes by multinational companies; and the reversal of a government decision to demolish Port Harcourt's waterfront communities, which the Chibuike Amaechi administration alleges are hotbeds for militant and criminal activity.
In the mean time, there are pockets of potentially violent groups springing up in the delta, as backstage schemes for the 2011 general elections gradually hot up. As things currently stand, the sheer level of youth violence occurring in the delta means that any new development such as this should be carefully monitored. ENDS
FRESH THREATS IN NIGER DELTA OVER JONATHAN
THE Niger Delta Patriotic Front (NDPF), a radical civil society group in the oil and gas region, has threatened to unleash fresh mayhem in the area if any harm is done to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, by those allegedly scheming to hold onto power at all cost.
The Central Working Committee of the group rose from a meeting on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, warning that they will fight back if any harm is done to Jonathan.
Briefing anxious newsmen at the end of their meeting at about 2.15pm, Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Dan Anderson, said they want the federal authorities to explain to the Nigerian people why the return of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua was handled in secret and why soldiers were deployed to take charge at the airport without the knowledge of the Acting President.
''We are of the view that the return of Yar'Adua would have been a canival with the Acting President, members of the Executive Council of the Federation, leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and virtually all sectors of Nigeria on ground to receive him. Since that was not done, we are of the view that the secret return of the president is an ill wind that will do our country no good''.
Continuing, Mr. Anderson said, ''participants at this meeting resolved to support the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), a militant group, in pushing for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference to determine the type of a country the Nigerian people want. We cannot be a great country with the mess of the past 92 days''.
NDPF said it has has the capacity to mobilise the active wings of the Niger Delta to inflict maximum damage on the country's oil and gas industry.
There were indications at the NDPF briefing that new insurgent groups in the delta would pop up in the weeks ahead as public functionaries continue to subvert the 1999 Constitution.
It is, however, far from certain whether NDPF. poses any serious threat to Western energy interests and to the Nigerian government. Besides their threat, there is the possibility that the group. could evolve into a threatening militant organization.
For instance, it is suspected that some of their grassroots leaders may have been involved in a small-scale bombing campaigns in 2006. Although NDPF has been described as a "radical organization," in July 2006 some of their affiliate. groups claimed credit for bombing the homes of a few individuals linked to some Nigerian politicians, for instance the home of the brother-in-law of the then Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, a medical doctor.
As part of NDPF.'s warning, it issued a number of demands, which are familiar grievances held by all of the political-militant groups in the delta, broadly, socio-economic, political and environmental justice.
In tangible terms, their demands include: the repeal of the Land Use Decree of 1978; the creation of more developmental agencies in the delta; properly funding the existing developmental agencies in the delta; employment of delta indigenes by multinational companies; and the reversal of a government decision to demolish Port Harcourt's waterfront communities, which the Chibuike Amaechi administration alleges are hotbeds for militant and criminal activity.
In the mean time, there are pockets of potentially violent groups springing up in the delta, as backstage schemes for the 2011 general elections gradually hot up. As things currently stand, the sheer level of youth violence occurring in the delta means that any new development such as this should be carefully monitored. ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
GROUPS IN TUG-OF WAR OVER SYLVA, BAYELSA GOVERNOR
SIGNS of things to come have started to play out in Bayelsa State, one of the key oil and gas producing states in the Niger Delta. Already, opposing civil society groups are locked in a seeming pro and anti-Governor Timipre Sylva tusscle.
An obviously pro-Sylva group, the Patriotic Front of Bayelsa State (PFBS), which claims to be concern with promoting good governance in the predominantly Ijaw state, has taken on the Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW) which has been vociferous in accusing the Sylva administration of inefficiency, lack of transparency and accountabilkity.
The NIDDEMCOW which has Mr. Nengi James as its Executive Director, has persistently demanded accountability from Governor Sylva and has been calling on the Commissioner of Finance and Budget, Opuala-Charles Silva, to make public the financial position of the state.
According to the Nengi James-led group, ''the people of Bayelsa are being kept in the dark on the allocations and revenues accruing to the state government vis-à-vis loans and government expenditure. This scenario has bred suspicion and contempt by a cross section of the people''.
Other issues thrown up by the group include the indebtedness of the state, the monetization of the Opolo Housing Estate and the use of consultants by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, the Capital City Development among others parastatals.
Leaders of the pro-Sylva group Messrs James Ofoni and Oweifa Thaddaeus on Thursday, returned fire to the Nengi group starting by saying, ''we are delighted that one of the ingredients of democracy is the freedom of expression and the press. However, it amounts to naivety on the part of the NIDDEMCOW to display ignorance on some of the issues raised. Some of these misconceptions need to be clarified, in order that government’s intention may not be misconstrued.''
According to them, ''on the issue of calling on Governor Sylva to deliver on his promises, the governor has since created a Forum known as “Relax with Governor Sylva”. This forum provides a platform for concerned people of Bayelsa state to interact with the governor on a huge range of issues.
''Besides, there is an official website, which serves as a means of communication between the people and government functionaries. This avenue can be exploited. Beyond this, any reasonable organization could engage the leadership of the state in a pro-active manner for purposes of curiosity and clarification of public policies''.
They are not yet done: ''With respect to the financial allocations to states, every Nigerian knows that the Federal Executive Council publishes such financial allocations are published on monthly basis. To put the records straight, because of the drastic reduction in the quota of oil production occasioned by militant activities, and the low Internally Generated Revenue profile of the state, the state was in deep financial distress, as monthly allocations in some months could not cover even the recurrent component of expenditure. These were the circumstances that made the state to resort to taking loans and this was approved by the state House of Assembly.
On whether the Finance and Budget Commissioner should make public the present financial position of the state, the pro-Sylva group said, ''we believe that this has already been accomplished. The Bond Committee not also examined the financial position of the State but also recommended that the N50 Billion Bond was necessary to re-position the economy of Bayelsa State. These facts are on the Bayelsa official website for everybody to see. No patriotic Bayelsan would feign ignorance of the Bond Committee Report, which was made available to the public. Anyone who claims ignorance of the aforementioned facts can only be a paid agent to malign the personalities involved or blackmail the Government of Bayelsa state''.
''It is cheer ignorance'', they went on, ''for any the person or group of persons to assert that the Opolo Housing Estate was privatized or commercialized. It is a conventional practice for top government functionaries, including commissioners to live in official residences. However, as a matter of official policy, government decided to monetize the houses to the Commissioners at a very high market value.
''This is also the practice at the national level. The essence was for government to use the monies to build other housing estates in line with the housing policy of government and to spread the dividends of democracy. It is therefore a misnomer for anyone to say the Opolo Housing Estate was privatized or commercialized; the Houses were only monetized in the interest of the state. The on-going privatization and commercialization Bill being debated in the Bayelsa state House of Assembly has no relationship whatsoever and howsoever with the monetization policy of government.''
Adding, they said the allegation that ministries like Finance and Budget, Capital City Development Authority (CCDA) and others are allegedly engaging the services of private consultants in carrying out their activities is uncalled for. In international best practice, consultants are believed to be more efficient in matters that require expertise, where the Ministry, Department or Agency in question cannot provide the requisite in-house manpower to execute a job.
''For example, the CCDA is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Yenagoa City Development Master Plan and that involves the development of Geographical Information System Infrastructure – which only expert consultants can provide outside of the Authority or the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development. Even transnational corporations and the Federal Government of Nigeria hire consultants to carry out highly specialized services.''
They claimed that it was most unpatriotic for the executive director of the anti-Sylva group, to claim that nothing like privatization and commercialization was taking place in the oil and gas rich state, ''when we all know that the existing legal regime such as the Land Use Act and the Petroleum Act forbids states from managing their oil and gas resources. This is the crux of the struggle for equitable fiscal federalism or resource control.''
We of the Patriotic Front of Bayelsa State believe that, in the present circumstances, government needs encouragement to cope with the expanding responsibilities amidst dwindling resources. Even when criticism are made, people expect responsible civil society organizations to proffer solutions to the development challenges facing the state. Already, government is coming up with a stimulus package to address some of the problems created by the biometric exercises that precipitated job loses in the state'', they said.
Adding, they said, ''the Sylva administration places premium on transparency and accountability as pre-requisites of good governance. This was why the institutional mechanisms such as the Bayelsa Expenditure Income and Transparency Initiative (BEITI) and the Due Process Bureau were established. We therefore, enjoin NIDDEMCOW, their sponsorsand other well-meaning pressure groups to embrace the people-oriented policies and programmes of the Sylva administration and lay more emphasis on what they can contribute to good governance. The Sylva administration is determined to fast-track the development of Bayelsa state, and government cannot afford the luxury of any distractions''. ENDS
GROUPS IN TUG-OF WAR OVER SYLVA, BAYELSA GOVERNOR
SIGNS of things to come have started to play out in Bayelsa State, one of the key oil and gas producing states in the Niger Delta. Already, opposing civil society groups are locked in a seeming pro and anti-Governor Timipre Sylva tusscle.
An obviously pro-Sylva group, the Patriotic Front of Bayelsa State (PFBS), which claims to be concern with promoting good governance in the predominantly Ijaw state, has taken on the Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW) which has been vociferous in accusing the Sylva administration of inefficiency, lack of transparency and accountabilkity.
The NIDDEMCOW which has Mr. Nengi James as its Executive Director, has persistently demanded accountability from Governor Sylva and has been calling on the Commissioner of Finance and Budget, Opuala-Charles Silva, to make public the financial position of the state.
According to the Nengi James-led group, ''the people of Bayelsa are being kept in the dark on the allocations and revenues accruing to the state government vis-à-vis loans and government expenditure. This scenario has bred suspicion and contempt by a cross section of the people''.
Other issues thrown up by the group include the indebtedness of the state, the monetization of the Opolo Housing Estate and the use of consultants by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, the Capital City Development among others parastatals.
Leaders of the pro-Sylva group Messrs James Ofoni and Oweifa Thaddaeus on Thursday, returned fire to the Nengi group starting by saying, ''we are delighted that one of the ingredients of democracy is the freedom of expression and the press. However, it amounts to naivety on the part of the NIDDEMCOW to display ignorance on some of the issues raised. Some of these misconceptions need to be clarified, in order that government’s intention may not be misconstrued.''
According to them, ''on the issue of calling on Governor Sylva to deliver on his promises, the governor has since created a Forum known as “Relax with Governor Sylva”. This forum provides a platform for concerned people of Bayelsa state to interact with the governor on a huge range of issues.
''Besides, there is an official website, which serves as a means of communication between the people and government functionaries. This avenue can be exploited. Beyond this, any reasonable organization could engage the leadership of the state in a pro-active manner for purposes of curiosity and clarification of public policies''.
They are not yet done: ''With respect to the financial allocations to states, every Nigerian knows that the Federal Executive Council publishes such financial allocations are published on monthly basis. To put the records straight, because of the drastic reduction in the quota of oil production occasioned by militant activities, and the low Internally Generated Revenue profile of the state, the state was in deep financial distress, as monthly allocations in some months could not cover even the recurrent component of expenditure. These were the circumstances that made the state to resort to taking loans and this was approved by the state House of Assembly.
On whether the Finance and Budget Commissioner should make public the present financial position of the state, the pro-Sylva group said, ''we believe that this has already been accomplished. The Bond Committee not also examined the financial position of the State but also recommended that the N50 Billion Bond was necessary to re-position the economy of Bayelsa State. These facts are on the Bayelsa official website for everybody to see. No patriotic Bayelsan would feign ignorance of the Bond Committee Report, which was made available to the public. Anyone who claims ignorance of the aforementioned facts can only be a paid agent to malign the personalities involved or blackmail the Government of Bayelsa state''.
''It is cheer ignorance'', they went on, ''for any the person or group of persons to assert that the Opolo Housing Estate was privatized or commercialized. It is a conventional practice for top government functionaries, including commissioners to live in official residences. However, as a matter of official policy, government decided to monetize the houses to the Commissioners at a very high market value.
''This is also the practice at the national level. The essence was for government to use the monies to build other housing estates in line with the housing policy of government and to spread the dividends of democracy. It is therefore a misnomer for anyone to say the Opolo Housing Estate was privatized or commercialized; the Houses were only monetized in the interest of the state. The on-going privatization and commercialization Bill being debated in the Bayelsa state House of Assembly has no relationship whatsoever and howsoever with the monetization policy of government.''
Adding, they said the allegation that ministries like Finance and Budget, Capital City Development Authority (CCDA) and others are allegedly engaging the services of private consultants in carrying out their activities is uncalled for. In international best practice, consultants are believed to be more efficient in matters that require expertise, where the Ministry, Department or Agency in question cannot provide the requisite in-house manpower to execute a job.
''For example, the CCDA is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Yenagoa City Development Master Plan and that involves the development of Geographical Information System Infrastructure – which only expert consultants can provide outside of the Authority or the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development. Even transnational corporations and the Federal Government of Nigeria hire consultants to carry out highly specialized services.''
They claimed that it was most unpatriotic for the executive director of the anti-Sylva group, to claim that nothing like privatization and commercialization was taking place in the oil and gas rich state, ''when we all know that the existing legal regime such as the Land Use Act and the Petroleum Act forbids states from managing their oil and gas resources. This is the crux of the struggle for equitable fiscal federalism or resource control.''
We of the Patriotic Front of Bayelsa State believe that, in the present circumstances, government needs encouragement to cope with the expanding responsibilities amidst dwindling resources. Even when criticism are made, people expect responsible civil society organizations to proffer solutions to the development challenges facing the state. Already, government is coming up with a stimulus package to address some of the problems created by the biometric exercises that precipitated job loses in the state'', they said.
Adding, they said, ''the Sylva administration places premium on transparency and accountability as pre-requisites of good governance. This was why the institutional mechanisms such as the Bayelsa Expenditure Income and Transparency Initiative (BEITI) and the Due Process Bureau were established. We therefore, enjoin NIDDEMCOW, their sponsorsand other well-meaning pressure groups to embrace the people-oriented policies and programmes of the Sylva administration and lay more emphasis on what they can contribute to good governance. The Sylva administration is determined to fast-track the development of Bayelsa state, and government cannot afford the luxury of any distractions''. ENDS
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
BEWARE OF NIGERIA, UK WARNS NATIONALS
* Lists Niger Delta, North, Others As Danger Zones
THE Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom (UK) Government has warned their nationals against all forms of travel to the Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas region. They are also warned against travelling to some parts of the North.
This warning is contained in a Travel Advice which was wired to our correspondent by the FCO.
''We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas'', the UK government said.
Continuing, they said, ''we advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk.''
According to them, ''there is increased tension in parts of northern Nigeria following clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi State on 26 July 2009 which extended to parts of Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning.''
Britons are also advised against non-essential travel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, and its surrounding areas, following civil unrest, which started on 17 January 2010, pointing out that a heavy security presence currently seems to have brought the disorder under control, ''though communal tensions remain high. There is curfew in force between 18.00 and 06.00. British nationals resident in Jos should exercise caution when moving around and be prepared to return home at any sign of unrest'', they said.
While claiming that international events, particularly in the Middle East, could lead to demonstrations and unrest, they added, ''there is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta''.
Since 2007, they went on, ''there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other states in Nigeria. Three British citizens and a Colombian citizen were abducted 40 km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals.
''A British citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 just outside Benin City and a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; all have subsequently been released. These cases demonstrate that there is a significant risk of kidnapping in all states.''
Continuing, they said, ''localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network. We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.
''There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
''Four British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (4 cases). Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
''We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check that your insurance company provides personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake; check any exclusions.'' ENDS
BEWARE OF NIGERIA, UK WARNS NATIONALS
* Lists Niger Delta, North, Others As Danger Zones
THE Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom (UK) Government has warned their nationals against all forms of travel to the Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas region. They are also warned against travelling to some parts of the North.
This warning is contained in a Travel Advice which was wired to our correspondent by the FCO.
''We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas'', the UK government said.
Continuing, they said, ''we advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk.''
According to them, ''there is increased tension in parts of northern Nigeria following clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi State on 26 July 2009 which extended to parts of Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning.''
Britons are also advised against non-essential travel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, and its surrounding areas, following civil unrest, which started on 17 January 2010, pointing out that a heavy security presence currently seems to have brought the disorder under control, ''though communal tensions remain high. There is curfew in force between 18.00 and 06.00. British nationals resident in Jos should exercise caution when moving around and be prepared to return home at any sign of unrest'', they said.
While claiming that international events, particularly in the Middle East, could lead to demonstrations and unrest, they added, ''there is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta''.
Since 2007, they went on, ''there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other states in Nigeria. Three British citizens and a Colombian citizen were abducted 40 km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals.
''A British citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 just outside Benin City and a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; all have subsequently been released. These cases demonstrate that there is a significant risk of kidnapping in all states.''
Continuing, they said, ''localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network. We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.
''There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
''Four British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (4 cases). Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
''We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check that your insurance company provides personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake; check any exclusions.'' ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
YAR'ADUA's RETURN: MILITANTS CALL FOR SOVEREIGN CONFAB
* Querry Deployment of Troops to Airport
THE handling of the return of Nigeria's ailing President, Mr. Umaru Yar'Adua, to Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, has sparked off a renewed agitation for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) in the Niger Delta with militants leading the call.
A news report by AkanimoReports quotes the Spokesperson for the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network which comprises units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF) and others, Cynthia Whyte, as saying on Wednesday that Yar' Adua has the right to return to his country any time he wishes.
''However, we must ask ourselves very crucial questions. Who gave the orders for troop deployment during the time of his arrival? Was the Acting President aware of this?'', the insurgent group querried.
Soldiers, according to them, were deployed to airports and key centers without the knowledge of the acting president, adding, ''we need to ask ourselves...who gave the orders for the postings and deployments?''
The militants said Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, should first find out those who took such decisions without his knowledge and then act accordingly
''This is a wake up call to the people of the Niger Delta, elites, members of the armed forces and all retired members of the armed forces.
It is clear that we do not belong together'', the JRC said.
Continuing, they added, ''we need to begin to talk about renegotiation the continued existence of this country.The events of the past few weeks have pointed without doubt that there is need for a renegotiation of the continued existence of the contraption called Nigeria''.
According to them, ''it has become necessary for all ethnic groups within the contraption called Nigeria to come together and decide on our continued existence.
''The fact that a dubious cabal can seat together and decide amidst this much heat in the polity to decide against giving a Southern Vice President the ability to act with full presidential powers shows that we do not belong together as a Nation.
''We are too divided to be one. That fact is uncontestable right now. We cannot continue to decieve ourselves any longer. The season of deceit is over''.
On President Yar'Adua's amnesty to repentant militants, they said, ''the post amnesty progress is a sham. The Presidential Amnesty Committee has been operating from a dubious template ridden with corruption and absolute lack of transparency''.
''For instance'', they went on, ''the Post Amnesty Committee Sub Commitee on Infrastructural Development was supposed to decide which projects to be executed and what Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would be given the mandates to oversee the deployment of particular projects.
''In a dubious twist, N15 billion has been declared as allocated to Infrastructural Projects by MDAs without any input whatsoever by the Presidential Amnesty Subcommittees. Is this transparency? The mandate of the subcommittee was to advise in such a way that only projects that were really wanted by the people were delivered. The Godwin Abbe Committee is clearly a sham and an exercise in ridiculous deceit!''
On the alleged plot against Jonathan, they had this to say, ''we believe that Goodluck Jonathan is currently in the know about all those who are currently plotting against him. It is up to him to agree on what to do with them''.
Three months after leaving Nigeria to receive medical treatment for a heart condition, President Umaru Yar’Adua shocked the nation by returning home in the early hours of today. A patient at the King Faisal hospital in Jeddah for 92 days, Mr. Yar’Adua was finally removed from his bed on Tuesday and taken aboard an Abuja bound flight at about 2100 Saudi time.
Two planes, one of them an air ambulance, landed in the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja within ten minutes of each other and it is believed that the president was on board the first one which landed at 0145 hours. ENDS
YAR'ADUA's RETURN: MILITANTS CALL FOR SOVEREIGN CONFAB
* Querry Deployment of Troops to Airport
THE handling of the return of Nigeria's ailing President, Mr. Umaru Yar'Adua, to Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday, has sparked off a renewed agitation for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) in the Niger Delta with militants leading the call.
A news report by AkanimoReports quotes the Spokesperson for the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network which comprises units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF) and others, Cynthia Whyte, as saying on Wednesday that Yar' Adua has the right to return to his country any time he wishes.
''However, we must ask ourselves very crucial questions. Who gave the orders for troop deployment during the time of his arrival? Was the Acting President aware of this?'', the insurgent group querried.
Soldiers, according to them, were deployed to airports and key centers without the knowledge of the acting president, adding, ''we need to ask ourselves...who gave the orders for the postings and deployments?''
The militants said Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, should first find out those who took such decisions without his knowledge and then act accordingly
''This is a wake up call to the people of the Niger Delta, elites, members of the armed forces and all retired members of the armed forces.
It is clear that we do not belong together'', the JRC said.
Continuing, they added, ''we need to begin to talk about renegotiation the continued existence of this country.The events of the past few weeks have pointed without doubt that there is need for a renegotiation of the continued existence of the contraption called Nigeria''.
According to them, ''it has become necessary for all ethnic groups within the contraption called Nigeria to come together and decide on our continued existence.
''The fact that a dubious cabal can seat together and decide amidst this much heat in the polity to decide against giving a Southern Vice President the ability to act with full presidential powers shows that we do not belong together as a Nation.
''We are too divided to be one. That fact is uncontestable right now. We cannot continue to decieve ourselves any longer. The season of deceit is over''.
On President Yar'Adua's amnesty to repentant militants, they said, ''the post amnesty progress is a sham. The Presidential Amnesty Committee has been operating from a dubious template ridden with corruption and absolute lack of transparency''.
''For instance'', they went on, ''the Post Amnesty Committee Sub Commitee on Infrastructural Development was supposed to decide which projects to be executed and what Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would be given the mandates to oversee the deployment of particular projects.
''In a dubious twist, N15 billion has been declared as allocated to Infrastructural Projects by MDAs without any input whatsoever by the Presidential Amnesty Subcommittees. Is this transparency? The mandate of the subcommittee was to advise in such a way that only projects that were really wanted by the people were delivered. The Godwin Abbe Committee is clearly a sham and an exercise in ridiculous deceit!''
On the alleged plot against Jonathan, they had this to say, ''we believe that Goodluck Jonathan is currently in the know about all those who are currently plotting against him. It is up to him to agree on what to do with them''.
Three months after leaving Nigeria to receive medical treatment for a heart condition, President Umaru Yar’Adua shocked the nation by returning home in the early hours of today. A patient at the King Faisal hospital in Jeddah for 92 days, Mr. Yar’Adua was finally removed from his bed on Tuesday and taken aboard an Abuja bound flight at about 2100 Saudi time.
Two planes, one of them an air ambulance, landed in the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja within ten minutes of each other and it is believed that the president was on board the first one which landed at 0145 hours. ENDS
Monday, February 22, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
MILITANTS TO SYLVA; YOUR COMMISSIONERS 'RE CONTRACTORS
SCHEMES for 2011 have started to play out in Bayelsa State as interest groups begin to press the state Governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva, to sack his cabinet.
The Network of Freedom Fighters (NFF), a militant group galvanised by Nengi James, is already alleging that members of the Executive Council of Bayelsa state have converted themselves to contractors.
''With this development, both the executive and legislative arms of the Bayelsa State Government are no longer transparent, accountable, and fair in their dealings'', the insurgent group alleged.
According to them, ''it is common knowledge and practice that commissioners are awarding contracts to themselves using their cronies and family members as conduit pipes to siphon government funds''.
But, Governor Sylva's media handlers say there is nothing of such, claiming that those spreading the falsehood are economical with the truth.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Doifie Ola, said on phone Monday that the Due Process Law was in full force in the state. ''Government is aware of the law and as such, cannot subvert its own law'', he said.
The militants do not seem to be persuaded. James said his insurgent group wants Sylva to consider immediate dissolution of his cabinet as presently constituted.
Their clamour for the dissolution of the cabinet, according to James, the Co-ordinator of the NFF, ''arose from the fact that the present cabinet members are bereft of ideas and have nothing to offer. Their actions and activities have so far shown that they have nothing to offer Bayelsans except to line their pockets for 2011.
Their anger, it appears, stems from the fact that the executive arm of government has not been rendering account of their stewardship periodically to the electorate.
Some of the public functionaries are alleged to be buying choice properties across the country and abroad, pointing out that the legislators were yet to also give account of the Constituency Development Funds they have been receiving.
''Some of the constituency projects claimed to have been executed by the lawmakers are not on ground, and where they are executed, they are not worth the cost implication. We are equallycalling on the Speaker, Mr. Werenipre Seibarugu to tell Bayelsans the true position of the constituency funds, and why some lawmakers were excluded from the arrangement'', they said.
The insurgents said they want the Speaker render an account for the N30 billion and the two months allocation he allegedly received while he held sway as Acting Governor.
''It is disheartening to note that Bayelsa lawmakers have abandoned their lawmaking business to chase every available government contracts. Information at disposal shows that the same lawmakers and some serving commissioners through their cronies were recently awarded various contracts at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)'', the NFF alleged. ENDS
MILITANTS TO SYLVA; YOUR COMMISSIONERS 'RE CONTRACTORS
SCHEMES for 2011 have started to play out in Bayelsa State as interest groups begin to press the state Governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva, to sack his cabinet.
The Network of Freedom Fighters (NFF), a militant group galvanised by Nengi James, is already alleging that members of the Executive Council of Bayelsa state have converted themselves to contractors.
''With this development, both the executive and legislative arms of the Bayelsa State Government are no longer transparent, accountable, and fair in their dealings'', the insurgent group alleged.
According to them, ''it is common knowledge and practice that commissioners are awarding contracts to themselves using their cronies and family members as conduit pipes to siphon government funds''.
But, Governor Sylva's media handlers say there is nothing of such, claiming that those spreading the falsehood are economical with the truth.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Doifie Ola, said on phone Monday that the Due Process Law was in full force in the state. ''Government is aware of the law and as such, cannot subvert its own law'', he said.
The militants do not seem to be persuaded. James said his insurgent group wants Sylva to consider immediate dissolution of his cabinet as presently constituted.
Their clamour for the dissolution of the cabinet, according to James, the Co-ordinator of the NFF, ''arose from the fact that the present cabinet members are bereft of ideas and have nothing to offer. Their actions and activities have so far shown that they have nothing to offer Bayelsans except to line their pockets for 2011.
Their anger, it appears, stems from the fact that the executive arm of government has not been rendering account of their stewardship periodically to the electorate.
Some of the public functionaries are alleged to be buying choice properties across the country and abroad, pointing out that the legislators were yet to also give account of the Constituency Development Funds they have been receiving.
''Some of the constituency projects claimed to have been executed by the lawmakers are not on ground, and where they are executed, they are not worth the cost implication. We are equallycalling on the Speaker, Mr. Werenipre Seibarugu to tell Bayelsans the true position of the constituency funds, and why some lawmakers were excluded from the arrangement'', they said.
The insurgents said they want the Speaker render an account for the N30 billion and the two months allocation he allegedly received while he held sway as Acting Governor.
''It is disheartening to note that Bayelsa lawmakers have abandoned their lawmaking business to chase every available government contracts. Information at disposal shows that the same lawmakers and some serving commissioners through their cronies were recently awarded various contracts at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)'', the NFF alleged. ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, ERA, WARNS NIGERIA
* Says 2011 Won't Be Business As Usual
FOREMOST environmental rights advocacy group in Nigeria, Environmental Rights Action (ERA), which also serves as the country's branch of Friends of the Earth, has warned that for the Nigerian government and power-seeking politicians, it will no longer be business as usual in 2011.
The next cycle of general elections in Nigeria comes up in 2011. That is when the country's next President, members of the bi-camaral National Assembly, 35 state Governors and members of their state Houses of Assemnly would be elected for a tenure of four years.
As electoral campaigns gradually build up towards 2011, ERA is saying that environmental concerns will become a deciding factor since in the past little or nothing was said in this regard.
In a communique wired to AkanimoReports on Monday after their Annual General Meeting, ERA is pushing for immediate end to gas flaring in the Niger Delta and appropriate penalties for defaulting companies that will include withdrawal of their operational license.
The communique which was signed by Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of ERA also called on Nigeria to embrace a post petroleum economy that will ensure that all new oil finds are left in the soil, and a halt to new oil exploration and bidding for allocation of new oil and gas or bitumen blocs.
Their meeting was however, held in Oghara, the home town of former Governor James Ibori (1999-2007) in Delta State, from February 8-12, 2010. During the meeting, they evaluated current events in the country and globally as they relate to environmental justice and climate change.
Those who attended the meeting were members of ERA board, management, staff, community campaigners on the platform of Host Communities Network (HoCoN), students and volunteers. They expressed dissatisfaction over the state of the Nigerian environment.
Participants accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of double standards because according to them, ''it is yet to demonstrate commitment to ending gas flaring in the Niger Delta going by the endless shift in flare-out dates while it is professing a commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation''.
They equally observed that reckless and illegal logging in what remains of their remaining natural forests poses a grave threat to livelihoods and harmony in the impacted communities, and a major contributor to climate change.
The participants unequivocally rejected the Copenhagen Accord that is seeking the treatment of climate change with kid gloves. ''The outcome of the Copenhagen Talks last December falls totally short of the expectations of impacted nations of the global South and is a toxic brew for the vulnerable peoples who are the most impacted'', they said.
Participants said they found as shocking the decision of the African Union (AU) and the Nigerian government to back the Copenhagen Accord and contrary to the position of their citizens who were neither consulted nor considered before the ratification of the accord. ENDS
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, ERA, WARNS NIGERIA
* Says 2011 Won't Be Business As Usual
FOREMOST environmental rights advocacy group in Nigeria, Environmental Rights Action (ERA), which also serves as the country's branch of Friends of the Earth, has warned that for the Nigerian government and power-seeking politicians, it will no longer be business as usual in 2011.
The next cycle of general elections in Nigeria comes up in 2011. That is when the country's next President, members of the bi-camaral National Assembly, 35 state Governors and members of their state Houses of Assemnly would be elected for a tenure of four years.
As electoral campaigns gradually build up towards 2011, ERA is saying that environmental concerns will become a deciding factor since in the past little or nothing was said in this regard.
In a communique wired to AkanimoReports on Monday after their Annual General Meeting, ERA is pushing for immediate end to gas flaring in the Niger Delta and appropriate penalties for defaulting companies that will include withdrawal of their operational license.
The communique which was signed by Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of ERA also called on Nigeria to embrace a post petroleum economy that will ensure that all new oil finds are left in the soil, and a halt to new oil exploration and bidding for allocation of new oil and gas or bitumen blocs.
Their meeting was however, held in Oghara, the home town of former Governor James Ibori (1999-2007) in Delta State, from February 8-12, 2010. During the meeting, they evaluated current events in the country and globally as they relate to environmental justice and climate change.
Those who attended the meeting were members of ERA board, management, staff, community campaigners on the platform of Host Communities Network (HoCoN), students and volunteers. They expressed dissatisfaction over the state of the Nigerian environment.
Participants accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of double standards because according to them, ''it is yet to demonstrate commitment to ending gas flaring in the Niger Delta going by the endless shift in flare-out dates while it is professing a commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation''.
They equally observed that reckless and illegal logging in what remains of their remaining natural forests poses a grave threat to livelihoods and harmony in the impacted communities, and a major contributor to climate change.
The participants unequivocally rejected the Copenhagen Accord that is seeking the treatment of climate change with kid gloves. ''The outcome of the Copenhagen Talks last December falls totally short of the expectations of impacted nations of the global South and is a toxic brew for the vulnerable peoples who are the most impacted'', they said.
Participants said they found as shocking the decision of the African Union (AU) and the Nigerian government to back the Copenhagen Accord and contrary to the position of their citizens who were neither consulted nor considered before the ratification of the accord. ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
WE WON'T ABANDON TRANS-KALABARI ROAD PROJECT, AMAECHI PLEDGES
GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi says his administration will not abandon the Trans-Kalabari Highway which was initiated by the Peter Odili administration (1999-2007) as a vote-buying gambit for the controversial 2003 general elections.
In spite of their seeming political antagonism, Amaechi says government will soon re-award the contract for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Highway because the road when completed would assist to grow the local economy of the Kalabari communities.
The governo gave this indication at the weekend while speaking at a reception marking the 80th birthday celebration of King Prof. Theophilus Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, at King Amachree Square, Buguma City.
Amaechi said the road project, which would boost the economy of the people was abandoned by earlier contractors, 80 per cent of whom are indigenes of Kalabari land, and wondered why contractors from the Kalabari axis should collect money for projects meant to improve the living standard of their people and abandon the work.
He blamed the attitude of past Kalabari leaders that held positions of responsibility for not doing much to develop their Communities, but assured of the preparedness of his administration to work with them to bring the needed development to the area.
He, however, debunked insinuations in some quarters that other ethnic groups in Rivers State hated the Kalabari people, pointing out that “it appears to him that there is a mistake somewhere by the Kalabaris”, and advised them to unite to correct the perception.
Governor Amaechi urged the Kalabaris to caution their young men to surrender their arms, emphasizing that they should not hide under the guise of Niger Delta struggle to kill innocent citizens, majority who are Kalabaris.
According to him, “we should not in the guise of Niger Delta struggle kill our people, all of us must agree that our children must return their guns, if they want to develop the area, Kalabari people should caution their children”.
He cited a situation where a government contractor building one of the new Model Primary Schools in the area had been harassed constantly with threats, monetary demands, and finally chased away from site by these youths, and questioned why they should stop a development project meant for their benefit.
The governor noted that the Kalabari people are gradually losing their respect which they commanded in the past in all fields of human endeavour in the state, as their youths are now engaged in bunkering activities rather than legitimate means of livelihood.
He remarked that the state government is still looking for more lands in the area to embark on the building of the 10 model primary schools and five health centres in each local government in the area, and appealed to the people to support the present administration’s drive to improve the lives of the people.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Alabo T. O. Graham-Douglas gave a brief historical antecedent of the Kalabari kingdom, noting that despite series of migrations by family groupings caused by warfare for control of the sea routes and trade, the Kalabaris still maintained a solid homogenous front as a kingdom.
Alabo Graham-Douglas, who had been appointed a Minister in Nigeria at four different times in the past, told King Theophilus Princewill that the biggest legacy he could bequeath his people as their Amanyanabo was to focus on the age long unity of the Kalabari kingdom and congratulated him on the 80th birthday celebration.
In his address of welcome, the celebrant, King Theophilus Princewill, remarked that his eightieth birthday, though remarkable, was being celebrated but not without dots of tortuous moments, and expressed gratitude to the governor and all those who graced the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion which attracted the ECOWAS President, Dr. Ibn Chambers, the Ghanaian Ambassador to Nigeria, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, top Politicians, Traditional Rulers among dignitaries from various walks of life, include the unveiling of the statue of King Amachree VII, and presentation of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, as birthday gift from the governor. ENDS
WE WON'T ABANDON TRANS-KALABARI ROAD PROJECT, AMAECHI PLEDGES
GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi says his administration will not abandon the Trans-Kalabari Highway which was initiated by the Peter Odili administration (1999-2007) as a vote-buying gambit for the controversial 2003 general elections.
In spite of their seeming political antagonism, Amaechi says government will soon re-award the contract for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Highway because the road when completed would assist to grow the local economy of the Kalabari communities.
The governo gave this indication at the weekend while speaking at a reception marking the 80th birthday celebration of King Prof. Theophilus Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, at King Amachree Square, Buguma City.
Amaechi said the road project, which would boost the economy of the people was abandoned by earlier contractors, 80 per cent of whom are indigenes of Kalabari land, and wondered why contractors from the Kalabari axis should collect money for projects meant to improve the living standard of their people and abandon the work.
He blamed the attitude of past Kalabari leaders that held positions of responsibility for not doing much to develop their Communities, but assured of the preparedness of his administration to work with them to bring the needed development to the area.
He, however, debunked insinuations in some quarters that other ethnic groups in Rivers State hated the Kalabari people, pointing out that “it appears to him that there is a mistake somewhere by the Kalabaris”, and advised them to unite to correct the perception.
Governor Amaechi urged the Kalabaris to caution their young men to surrender their arms, emphasizing that they should not hide under the guise of Niger Delta struggle to kill innocent citizens, majority who are Kalabaris.
According to him, “we should not in the guise of Niger Delta struggle kill our people, all of us must agree that our children must return their guns, if they want to develop the area, Kalabari people should caution their children”.
He cited a situation where a government contractor building one of the new Model Primary Schools in the area had been harassed constantly with threats, monetary demands, and finally chased away from site by these youths, and questioned why they should stop a development project meant for their benefit.
The governor noted that the Kalabari people are gradually losing their respect which they commanded in the past in all fields of human endeavour in the state, as their youths are now engaged in bunkering activities rather than legitimate means of livelihood.
He remarked that the state government is still looking for more lands in the area to embark on the building of the 10 model primary schools and five health centres in each local government in the area, and appealed to the people to support the present administration’s drive to improve the lives of the people.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Alabo T. O. Graham-Douglas gave a brief historical antecedent of the Kalabari kingdom, noting that despite series of migrations by family groupings caused by warfare for control of the sea routes and trade, the Kalabaris still maintained a solid homogenous front as a kingdom.
Alabo Graham-Douglas, who had been appointed a Minister in Nigeria at four different times in the past, told King Theophilus Princewill that the biggest legacy he could bequeath his people as their Amanyanabo was to focus on the age long unity of the Kalabari kingdom and congratulated him on the 80th birthday celebration.
In his address of welcome, the celebrant, King Theophilus Princewill, remarked that his eightieth birthday, though remarkable, was being celebrated but not without dots of tortuous moments, and expressed gratitude to the governor and all those who graced the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion which attracted the ECOWAS President, Dr. Ibn Chambers, the Ghanaian Ambassador to Nigeria, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, top Politicians, Traditional Rulers among dignitaries from various walks of life, include the unveiling of the statue of King Amachree VII, and presentation of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, as birthday gift from the governor. ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
IJAW LEADERS TASK JONATHAN ON REFORMS, LIST PRIORITIES
IJAW leaders on the platform of Ijaw Foundation, have challenged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently address and resolve six key issues which they claimed will immediately launch Nigeria on the path of greatness.
They listed the six areas as; Resolution of the Niger Delta crisis by addressing the fundamental causes of discontent in the region; electoral reforms to strengthen thew country's democracy and good governance as well as power generation to support industrialisation programmes.
Others according to them, include road infrastructure development to support commerce and industry; a credible anti-corruption campaign to make visible the dividends of democracy and a New Partnership’ with State and Local Governments to promote food production and public health.
These facts are contained in a congratulatory letter to the Acting President dated February 21, 2010 and made available to our correspondent on Monday via an e-mail.
The letter which was jointly signed by the President of the foundation, Ebipamone Nanakumo, his deputy, Patterson Ogon, Secretary, Lincoln Snithers and three others said, ''we know that the challenge ahead is enormous, but establishing your legacy on the foregoing burning national issues cannot be over-emphasized; and, because there is so little time to waste, this process must commence right away with all deliberate speed''.
Continuing, they said as a country trying to recover from ''our damaged psyche and image and attempt to rebuild our confidence and restore hope, it is our fervent prayer that all stakeholders in our national destiny will work together to strengthen your resolve toward achieving the aforementioned goals. Achieving these goals would certainly constitute an indelible legacy and would represent a new beginning for our nation''.
The Ijaw leaders say they stand ready, willing and able to support Jonathan's administration in promoting peace, stability, security and growth for the country, pointing out that on this, ''you have our solemn and unwavering pledge''.
Members of the Ijaw Foundation who are drawn from Ijaw people residing at home and in the Diaspora said, ''we are very proud of the manner in which you handled yourself and the country in the last two very trying months and commend you for having conducted yourself with utmost dignity and sincere patriotism.
''You allowed the constitutional and democratic processes to play themselves out, enabling all Nigerian stakeholders to contribute to the dialogue concerning the resolving of the constitutional issue. You maintained self control even as the judiciary carried out its role as one of the three branches of government, thereby, reinforcing the separation of powers which is an essential element of a functioning democratic system of government.''
Adding, they said, ''we thank the entire nation for supporting the joint declaration of the Senate and the House of Representatives to resolve the leadership vacuum and, thus, save our nation from ridicule among the comity of nations. This reaffirms our faith in the supremacy of the constitution, with renewed confidence that the country belongs to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, region, political zone, and religion''.
They also acknowledged the role the National Assembly played, albeit belatedly, in finding a democratic answer to the unprecedented constitutional impasse that threatened grave harm to the country, claiming that without the statesmanship they collectively displayed in resolving the quagmire, ''we might have found ourselves in a crisis of unimaginable consequences. We applaud their courage and wisdom''.
The Ijaw leaders are not yet done. ''We appreciate the solidarity of our former national leaders who put the national interest above all else in putting forward wise counsel, and we salute our current military leaders who rejected the temptation to disrupt our nascent democracy.
''Now therefore we join the Eminent Elders of the nation to urge you to be courageous and decisive in writing a fresh history for the nation; firm but fair in the enforcement of the rule of law; and honest and just in discharging the duties bestowed upon you by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our nation needs men and women of rare courage, strong conviction, great determination to make a difference and unswerving commitment to national unity and socio-political and economic progress'', they said. ENDS
IJAW LEADERS TASK JONATHAN ON REFORMS, LIST PRIORITIES
IJAW leaders on the platform of Ijaw Foundation, have challenged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently address and resolve six key issues which they claimed will immediately launch Nigeria on the path of greatness.
They listed the six areas as; Resolution of the Niger Delta crisis by addressing the fundamental causes of discontent in the region; electoral reforms to strengthen thew country's democracy and good governance as well as power generation to support industrialisation programmes.
Others according to them, include road infrastructure development to support commerce and industry; a credible anti-corruption campaign to make visible the dividends of democracy and a New Partnership’ with State and Local Governments to promote food production and public health.
These facts are contained in a congratulatory letter to the Acting President dated February 21, 2010 and made available to our correspondent on Monday via an e-mail.
The letter which was jointly signed by the President of the foundation, Ebipamone Nanakumo, his deputy, Patterson Ogon, Secretary, Lincoln Snithers and three others said, ''we know that the challenge ahead is enormous, but establishing your legacy on the foregoing burning national issues cannot be over-emphasized; and, because there is so little time to waste, this process must commence right away with all deliberate speed''.
Continuing, they said as a country trying to recover from ''our damaged psyche and image and attempt to rebuild our confidence and restore hope, it is our fervent prayer that all stakeholders in our national destiny will work together to strengthen your resolve toward achieving the aforementioned goals. Achieving these goals would certainly constitute an indelible legacy and would represent a new beginning for our nation''.
The Ijaw leaders say they stand ready, willing and able to support Jonathan's administration in promoting peace, stability, security and growth for the country, pointing out that on this, ''you have our solemn and unwavering pledge''.
Members of the Ijaw Foundation who are drawn from Ijaw people residing at home and in the Diaspora said, ''we are very proud of the manner in which you handled yourself and the country in the last two very trying months and commend you for having conducted yourself with utmost dignity and sincere patriotism.
''You allowed the constitutional and democratic processes to play themselves out, enabling all Nigerian stakeholders to contribute to the dialogue concerning the resolving of the constitutional issue. You maintained self control even as the judiciary carried out its role as one of the three branches of government, thereby, reinforcing the separation of powers which is an essential element of a functioning democratic system of government.''
Adding, they said, ''we thank the entire nation for supporting the joint declaration of the Senate and the House of Representatives to resolve the leadership vacuum and, thus, save our nation from ridicule among the comity of nations. This reaffirms our faith in the supremacy of the constitution, with renewed confidence that the country belongs to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, region, political zone, and religion''.
They also acknowledged the role the National Assembly played, albeit belatedly, in finding a democratic answer to the unprecedented constitutional impasse that threatened grave harm to the country, claiming that without the statesmanship they collectively displayed in resolving the quagmire, ''we might have found ourselves in a crisis of unimaginable consequences. We applaud their courage and wisdom''.
The Ijaw leaders are not yet done. ''We appreciate the solidarity of our former national leaders who put the national interest above all else in putting forward wise counsel, and we salute our current military leaders who rejected the temptation to disrupt our nascent democracy.
''Now therefore we join the Eminent Elders of the nation to urge you to be courageous and decisive in writing a fresh history for the nation; firm but fair in the enforcement of the rule of law; and honest and just in discharging the duties bestowed upon you by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our nation needs men and women of rare courage, strong conviction, great determination to make a difference and unswerving commitment to national unity and socio-political and economic progress'', they said. ENDS
UNIPORT SAGA AND VICE-CHANCELLORSHIP
BY
ONDOTIMI SONGI*
RECENT media reports indicate that there is trouble at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) where staff and students who are of Ikwerre ethnic nationality disrupted all academic, business and social activities of that institution in protest against what they perceived to be a plot by the university’s Governing Council to prevent their kinsmen from contesting the position of vice chancellor (VC) of that institution. The protesters were reported to have barricaded the busy East-West Road axis of the university chanting war songs, and a few days later, carried their protest to Government House, Port Harcourt, though in a more peaceful manner.
Two weeks prior to the protests, the University advertised in some national dailies for the position of VC chancellor as the tenure of the incumbent, Professor Don Baridam expires July this year with the requirement among other things that all those interested in applying for the post must be professors with not less than eight years experience. The protesters say they suspect the institution’s Governing Council is using the eight years professorial policy to scheme out Ikwerres from the contest, knowing that all the Ikwerre professors possess less than this requirement. Their main grievance is that it is inhuman and an age-long injustice that in the 35 years existence of the university, no Ikwerre man has been appointed as VC even when the institution is situated on Ikwerre soil, whereas the other ethnic groups in the state, according to them, have had their turns at occupying this office.
Historically, the University of Port Harcourt was established by the Federal Military Government in 1975 as a University College following the report of the Asbhy Commission of 1960 which recommended the establishment of an Institute of Technology in Port Harcourt. On October 1, 1977 the Federal Military Government granted the institution full university status and the University started its first academic session in October 1977. Information reveals that Prof. D. E. U. Ekong from Akwa Ibom was VC of UNIPORT (1975-1982); Prof. S. J. S. Cookey from Opobo (1982-1990); Prof. K. Harrison from Kalabari (1990-1993); Prof. N. Gadzama from Hausa, Acting VC (1993-1994) and Prof. A. T. Saku from Yoruba, Acting VC from 1994-1995. Others include Prof. Nimi Briggs from Kalabari, Acting VC (1995-1997); Prof. Theo Vincent from Khana, Ogoni (1997-2000); VC (2000-2005) and Prof. Don Baridam, Khana, Ogoni (2005-2010).
It is now obvious that the office of Vice-Chancellor of any university in Nigeria is very attractive. The remuneration and other perquisites of the office are now comparable to those of political office holders of equivalent status. Accordingly, as Professor Ehi Oshio rightly observed, “the appointment to the post of Vice-Chancellor in recent times attracts cut-throat competition among the “egg-heads” of our academia throughout the country. Indeed, the battle for this position is also comparable to that for other political offices in our polity. Unfortunately, the competition for this position has assumed such proportion that often leads to bitterness amongst desperate contestants and, like politicians, academics now employ all sorts of “weapons” including blackmail, ethnicity or tribalism and even religion to get the position. Some sometimes end up in the courts.” In other words, the appointment of VCs of Nigerian universities is fast becoming a political, ethnic, or religious issue. The recent events and controversy at the University of Benin and Ahmadu Bello University regarding the appointment of chief executives (VCs) of the ivory tower are still fresh on our minds.
However, it seems the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also had this in mind when it fought so hard for the autonomy of universities that resulted in the enactment of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, otherwise referred to as the Universities Autonomy Act. This interesting legislation was enacted by the National Assembly and signed into law on July 10, 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Act was officially gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 10, Volume 94 of January 12, 2007 as Act No. 1 of 2007. The Act amended the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Decree (later Act) No. 11 of 1993.
In the explanatory note, it is stated that the 2003 Universities Act provides for the amendment of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 11 1993 and makes new provisions, among other things, for the autonomy, management and re-organization of the Universities in Nigeria. The Act also provides for the appointment of VCs in federal universities. Consequently, it is intended in this piece to examine the legal perspective on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors particularly as it relates to federal universities in the country and not to critique the character of the protesters or the implications of their conduct.
Under the Act, there shall be a Vice- Chancellor of a University who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with stated provisions. Accordingly, it is expected that where a vacancy occurs in the post of a Vice Chancellor, the Governing Council shall first advertise the vacancy in a reputable journal or a widely read newspaper in Nigeria, outlining the qualities of the persons who may apply for the post. Afterwards, the Council shall constitute a Joint Board and a Search Team. The search team would consist of a member of the Council, who is not a member of the Senate, as chairman; two members of the Senate who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor and two members of Congregation who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor. The Council identifies suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post of their own volition and nominate them for consideration by a Joint Council and Senate selection board (Joint board) to be in the Search Team. The Joint board would be made up of the Pro-Chancellor as chairman; two members of the Council, not being members of the Senate and two members of the Senate who are professors but who were not members of the Search Team. The search team would set the ball rolling by drawing a short list of suitable candidates for the post for consideration of the Joint board.
The Joint Board shall consider the candidates on the short list drawn up by the search team. They would be guided by a well spelt criteria, which includes, specified years of post professorial qualification, academic and administrative leadership, professional standing/honours, honours/fellowship of relevant/professional societies, proficiency in ICT, societal linkages, ability to attract funds/research grant, contribution to knowledge (academic publications, inventions), interview performance which would be scored along candidates' vision for the university, articulation/personality and general knowledge and referee reports. A candidate is expected to score at least 75 out of a total 100 points to make the next list. The Joint board would then recommend to the Council three (3) suitable candidates for further consideration. The Council then selects one candidate from among the three candidates recommended to it and thereafter informs the Visitor (President).
It is clear from the above that under the Act merit is the paramount criteria to be used in the selection of Vice Chancellors and universities are granted some degree of autonomy in selecting their Vice Chancellors thereby rightly ensuring participatory democracy from all segments of the university community, i.e. Council, Senate, and Congregation. This was not the case before the enactment of this Act where the Federal Government unilaterally appoints VCs without recourse to the Councils and Senate of the universities. However, it is instructive to observe that despite the enormous powers Councils of universities now have in appointing VCs, they must act judiciously as they are not laws unto themselves. They are subject to control by the President, who has the power to remove any member or dissolve the Council. They are also subject to the control of Courts of law in the exercise of their powers. The decision of a University Council in appointing a VC based on religious, ethnic or political consideration can be challenged in a court of law because their decision is not final and unquestionable.
Going by the understanding that the university is a citadel of learning where well researched truth emanates from, we should not expect that the appointment of a VC should become problematic. Sadly, however, the reverse is now becoming a norm. As Professor Lawrence Atsegbua noted, “it is sad to note that some members of the ivory tower whose minds are liberated, and are gifted with the ability to make rational, meticulous, and pedantic judgments in dealing with issues, have enslaved themselves along ethnic lines.” This is pathetic not only for the universities but also for the Nigerian nation.
It is my opinion that the advert by the Governing Council of UNIPORT to the effect that the candidate for the post of Vice-Chancellor must have been in the academic environment at the tertiary level for at least fifteen years, not less than eight of which must be as a professor is very pragmatic and not on the high side. This is so because a candidate for VC must have accumulated both knowledge and wealth of experience to occupy that position that spark off excellence and creativity.
There is obviously nothing wrong in an Ikwerre person becoming the VC of UNIPORT provided the person qualifies under the due process and I believe the Ikwerres can boast of professors of eight years standing. Although, UNIPORT being a federal university is subject to federal character principle yet this cannot be used to brush away excellence or sacrifice it on the altar of ethnicity. More so, federal character is based on state/regional quota and not on ethnic groups within a particular state/region.
In conclusion, it is suggested that as a way to end or minimise these VC appointment-related conflicts, it is time the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 be further reviewed or amended to adequately and expressly state guidelines for appointment of a VC as there are growing and profound fears in leaving or throwing the guidelines to the Governing Council. This should be done with a view to upholding the principle of merit contained in the Act by ensuring that only the best person emerges as VC irrespective of sex, state of origin, ethnicity, religion or whatever.
*Ondotimi Songi, a lawyer writes from Port Harcourt
E-mail: songisis@yahoo.com
BY
ONDOTIMI SONGI*
RECENT media reports indicate that there is trouble at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) where staff and students who are of Ikwerre ethnic nationality disrupted all academic, business and social activities of that institution in protest against what they perceived to be a plot by the university’s Governing Council to prevent their kinsmen from contesting the position of vice chancellor (VC) of that institution. The protesters were reported to have barricaded the busy East-West Road axis of the university chanting war songs, and a few days later, carried their protest to Government House, Port Harcourt, though in a more peaceful manner.
Two weeks prior to the protests, the University advertised in some national dailies for the position of VC chancellor as the tenure of the incumbent, Professor Don Baridam expires July this year with the requirement among other things that all those interested in applying for the post must be professors with not less than eight years experience. The protesters say they suspect the institution’s Governing Council is using the eight years professorial policy to scheme out Ikwerres from the contest, knowing that all the Ikwerre professors possess less than this requirement. Their main grievance is that it is inhuman and an age-long injustice that in the 35 years existence of the university, no Ikwerre man has been appointed as VC even when the institution is situated on Ikwerre soil, whereas the other ethnic groups in the state, according to them, have had their turns at occupying this office.
Historically, the University of Port Harcourt was established by the Federal Military Government in 1975 as a University College following the report of the Asbhy Commission of 1960 which recommended the establishment of an Institute of Technology in Port Harcourt. On October 1, 1977 the Federal Military Government granted the institution full university status and the University started its first academic session in October 1977. Information reveals that Prof. D. E. U. Ekong from Akwa Ibom was VC of UNIPORT (1975-1982); Prof. S. J. S. Cookey from Opobo (1982-1990); Prof. K. Harrison from Kalabari (1990-1993); Prof. N. Gadzama from Hausa, Acting VC (1993-1994) and Prof. A. T. Saku from Yoruba, Acting VC from 1994-1995. Others include Prof. Nimi Briggs from Kalabari, Acting VC (1995-1997); Prof. Theo Vincent from Khana, Ogoni (1997-2000); VC (2000-2005) and Prof. Don Baridam, Khana, Ogoni (2005-2010).
It is now obvious that the office of Vice-Chancellor of any university in Nigeria is very attractive. The remuneration and other perquisites of the office are now comparable to those of political office holders of equivalent status. Accordingly, as Professor Ehi Oshio rightly observed, “the appointment to the post of Vice-Chancellor in recent times attracts cut-throat competition among the “egg-heads” of our academia throughout the country. Indeed, the battle for this position is also comparable to that for other political offices in our polity. Unfortunately, the competition for this position has assumed such proportion that often leads to bitterness amongst desperate contestants and, like politicians, academics now employ all sorts of “weapons” including blackmail, ethnicity or tribalism and even religion to get the position. Some sometimes end up in the courts.” In other words, the appointment of VCs of Nigerian universities is fast becoming a political, ethnic, or religious issue. The recent events and controversy at the University of Benin and Ahmadu Bello University regarding the appointment of chief executives (VCs) of the ivory tower are still fresh on our minds.
However, it seems the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also had this in mind when it fought so hard for the autonomy of universities that resulted in the enactment of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, otherwise referred to as the Universities Autonomy Act. This interesting legislation was enacted by the National Assembly and signed into law on July 10, 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Act was officially gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 10, Volume 94 of January 12, 2007 as Act No. 1 of 2007. The Act amended the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Decree (later Act) No. 11 of 1993.
In the explanatory note, it is stated that the 2003 Universities Act provides for the amendment of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 11 1993 and makes new provisions, among other things, for the autonomy, management and re-organization of the Universities in Nigeria. The Act also provides for the appointment of VCs in federal universities. Consequently, it is intended in this piece to examine the legal perspective on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors particularly as it relates to federal universities in the country and not to critique the character of the protesters or the implications of their conduct.
Under the Act, there shall be a Vice- Chancellor of a University who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with stated provisions. Accordingly, it is expected that where a vacancy occurs in the post of a Vice Chancellor, the Governing Council shall first advertise the vacancy in a reputable journal or a widely read newspaper in Nigeria, outlining the qualities of the persons who may apply for the post. Afterwards, the Council shall constitute a Joint Board and a Search Team. The search team would consist of a member of the Council, who is not a member of the Senate, as chairman; two members of the Senate who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor and two members of Congregation who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor. The Council identifies suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post of their own volition and nominate them for consideration by a Joint Council and Senate selection board (Joint board) to be in the Search Team. The Joint board would be made up of the Pro-Chancellor as chairman; two members of the Council, not being members of the Senate and two members of the Senate who are professors but who were not members of the Search Team. The search team would set the ball rolling by drawing a short list of suitable candidates for the post for consideration of the Joint board.
The Joint Board shall consider the candidates on the short list drawn up by the search team. They would be guided by a well spelt criteria, which includes, specified years of post professorial qualification, academic and administrative leadership, professional standing/honours, honours/fellowship of relevant/professional societies, proficiency in ICT, societal linkages, ability to attract funds/research grant, contribution to knowledge (academic publications, inventions), interview performance which would be scored along candidates' vision for the university, articulation/personality and general knowledge and referee reports. A candidate is expected to score at least 75 out of a total 100 points to make the next list. The Joint board would then recommend to the Council three (3) suitable candidates for further consideration. The Council then selects one candidate from among the three candidates recommended to it and thereafter informs the Visitor (President).
It is clear from the above that under the Act merit is the paramount criteria to be used in the selection of Vice Chancellors and universities are granted some degree of autonomy in selecting their Vice Chancellors thereby rightly ensuring participatory democracy from all segments of the university community, i.e. Council, Senate, and Congregation. This was not the case before the enactment of this Act where the Federal Government unilaterally appoints VCs without recourse to the Councils and Senate of the universities. However, it is instructive to observe that despite the enormous powers Councils of universities now have in appointing VCs, they must act judiciously as they are not laws unto themselves. They are subject to control by the President, who has the power to remove any member or dissolve the Council. They are also subject to the control of Courts of law in the exercise of their powers. The decision of a University Council in appointing a VC based on religious, ethnic or political consideration can be challenged in a court of law because their decision is not final and unquestionable.
Going by the understanding that the university is a citadel of learning where well researched truth emanates from, we should not expect that the appointment of a VC should become problematic. Sadly, however, the reverse is now becoming a norm. As Professor Lawrence Atsegbua noted, “it is sad to note that some members of the ivory tower whose minds are liberated, and are gifted with the ability to make rational, meticulous, and pedantic judgments in dealing with issues, have enslaved themselves along ethnic lines.” This is pathetic not only for the universities but also for the Nigerian nation.
It is my opinion that the advert by the Governing Council of UNIPORT to the effect that the candidate for the post of Vice-Chancellor must have been in the academic environment at the tertiary level for at least fifteen years, not less than eight of which must be as a professor is very pragmatic and not on the high side. This is so because a candidate for VC must have accumulated both knowledge and wealth of experience to occupy that position that spark off excellence and creativity.
There is obviously nothing wrong in an Ikwerre person becoming the VC of UNIPORT provided the person qualifies under the due process and I believe the Ikwerres can boast of professors of eight years standing. Although, UNIPORT being a federal university is subject to federal character principle yet this cannot be used to brush away excellence or sacrifice it on the altar of ethnicity. More so, federal character is based on state/regional quota and not on ethnic groups within a particular state/region.
In conclusion, it is suggested that as a way to end or minimise these VC appointment-related conflicts, it is time the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 be further reviewed or amended to adequately and expressly state guidelines for appointment of a VC as there are growing and profound fears in leaving or throwing the guidelines to the Governing Council. This should be done with a view to upholding the principle of merit contained in the Act by ensuring that only the best person emerges as VC irrespective of sex, state of origin, ethnicity, religion or whatever.
*Ondotimi Songi, a lawyer writes from Port Harcourt
E-mail: songisis@yahoo.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
GIVE US NEW COUNCILS IN DELTA, EDO, BY IJAW LEADERS
SOME Ijaw leaders in the Delta-Edo axis of the Niger Delta say there will be no enduring peace in the oil and gas region, if the authorities fail to create local government areas for their kith and kin in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, and for those in Edo State.
In the creeks of Edo state, insurgents under the banner of the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, told the then visiting Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (NDPGRC), a presidential panel that was led by Senator David Bngidi, in November, 2007 that they were prepared to play ball with the Umar –Yar’Adua administration on some vital conditions.
They were pressing for the creation of four local government areas for the Ijaw people in Delta and Edo states. Three of the new councils demanded are to be in Edo, and the other in Delta.
The demand for the creation of the four-concil areas was made at their camp at Egbema I, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo state.
\
Spokesperson for the freedom fighters, Jackson Ikinibor, told the Brigidi panel that the three new council areas they want for the Ijaws in Edo state are Egbema-Okomu, Olodiama, and Furupagha,, while the only one for Delta state is Delta Egbema.
On Thursday, a prominent Ijaw leader in that area, Mr. Robinson Uropa, reawaken the agitation for fresh council areas for the Ijaw in a phone interview. According to him, ''the Ijaws in Edo and Delta states are neglected, unidentified, and grossly marginalized’’.
Mr. Uropa is claiming that the Ijaw in Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas of Edo state as well as those of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state, “ are made perpetual minorities” where they have found themselves.
Continuing, he said the only thing that could make them to stop further restiveness, is to bring the Ijaw together under four separate administrative units as earlier demanded by the insurgents.
''In demanding for the creation of the four local government areas, we are aiming to achieve five things to the Ijaw people in the affected areas. These five things are, bringing government nearer to them, ensuring even development, enabling them to develop at their own pave and be together as a people, minimizing hostager taking, ethnic conflict, crisis and agitations, and enabling them to have deep sense of belonging rather than being treated as second-class citizens’’, Mr. Uropa said.
While responding to the demand of the insurgents then, chairman of the visiting presidential panel, Brigidi, said they were aware of the challenges facing the coastal commuters in Edo state. ''We are of the view that it is time to find lasting solution to the challenges facing them, “ Brigidi said IN 2007.
According to Brigidi, “ this committee, the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, is here on the directive of President Umaru Yar’Adua . Mr. President sent us to come and talk with you with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problems in the creeks. From what we have seen so far, your area just like all the other coastal communities, are in urgent need of all the good things of life like access roads, schools, healthcentres/ hospitals, good drinking water, jetties, electricity, among others.
“But all these good things of life cannot come in a state of violence. Mr.. President is pleading for an atmosphere of peace in the whole of the Niger Delta to enable his administration address the perculiar needs of individual communities, “ the committee Chairman added.
While assuring the freedom fighters that their demand for the creation of four new council areas would be made Known to the authorities, Brigidi whose panel was inangurated by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan on July 2, 2007, urged the militants to cooperate with them.
With Birigidi on the visits to militant camps in Edo and Ondo states, were the committee secretary, Kingsley Kuku, John Amadi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) then who represented the Nigeria Police in the panel, and his State Security Service (SSS) counterpart, Duke Fubara.
The area they are demanding for the four council areas comprises a network of creeks with swamp forests with intermittent land areas in Okomu, Ofunama, Ajakurama, Gelegele, Opuama /Polobobar, Ogbinbiri / Ogbudugbudu, and Safarogbo forest areas.
The Ijaw people in the four local government areas being demanded, appear to be living in the same geographical area contiguous to one another. Their custom, tradition and interest also seem to be common.
ENDS.
SOME Ijaw leaders in the Delta-Edo axis of the Niger Delta say there will be no enduring peace in the oil and gas region, if the authorities fail to create local government areas for their kith and kin in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, and for those in Edo State.
In the creeks of Edo state, insurgents under the banner of the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, told the then visiting Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (NDPGRC), a presidential panel that was led by Senator David Bngidi, in November, 2007 that they were prepared to play ball with the Umar –Yar’Adua administration on some vital conditions.
They were pressing for the creation of four local government areas for the Ijaw people in Delta and Edo states. Three of the new councils demanded are to be in Edo, and the other in Delta.
The demand for the creation of the four-concil areas was made at their camp at Egbema I, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo state.
\
Spokesperson for the freedom fighters, Jackson Ikinibor, told the Brigidi panel that the three new council areas they want for the Ijaws in Edo state are Egbema-Okomu, Olodiama, and Furupagha,, while the only one for Delta state is Delta Egbema.
On Thursday, a prominent Ijaw leader in that area, Mr. Robinson Uropa, reawaken the agitation for fresh council areas for the Ijaw in a phone interview. According to him, ''the Ijaws in Edo and Delta states are neglected, unidentified, and grossly marginalized’’.
Mr. Uropa is claiming that the Ijaw in Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas of Edo state as well as those of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state, “ are made perpetual minorities” where they have found themselves.
Continuing, he said the only thing that could make them to stop further restiveness, is to bring the Ijaw together under four separate administrative units as earlier demanded by the insurgents.
''In demanding for the creation of the four local government areas, we are aiming to achieve five things to the Ijaw people in the affected areas. These five things are, bringing government nearer to them, ensuring even development, enabling them to develop at their own pave and be together as a people, minimizing hostager taking, ethnic conflict, crisis and agitations, and enabling them to have deep sense of belonging rather than being treated as second-class citizens’’, Mr. Uropa said.
While responding to the demand of the insurgents then, chairman of the visiting presidential panel, Brigidi, said they were aware of the challenges facing the coastal commuters in Edo state. ''We are of the view that it is time to find lasting solution to the challenges facing them, “ Brigidi said IN 2007.
According to Brigidi, “ this committee, the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, is here on the directive of President Umaru Yar’Adua . Mr. President sent us to come and talk with you with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problems in the creeks. From what we have seen so far, your area just like all the other coastal communities, are in urgent need of all the good things of life like access roads, schools, healthcentres/ hospitals, good drinking water, jetties, electricity, among others.
“But all these good things of life cannot come in a state of violence. Mr.. President is pleading for an atmosphere of peace in the whole of the Niger Delta to enable his administration address the perculiar needs of individual communities, “ the committee Chairman added.
While assuring the freedom fighters that their demand for the creation of four new council areas would be made Known to the authorities, Brigidi whose panel was inangurated by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan on July 2, 2007, urged the militants to cooperate with them.
With Birigidi on the visits to militant camps in Edo and Ondo states, were the committee secretary, Kingsley Kuku, John Amadi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) then who represented the Nigeria Police in the panel, and his State Security Service (SSS) counterpart, Duke Fubara.
The area they are demanding for the four council areas comprises a network of creeks with swamp forests with intermittent land areas in Okomu, Ofunama, Ajakurama, Gelegele, Opuama /Polobobar, Ogbinbiri / Ogbudugbudu, and Safarogbo forest areas.
The Ijaw people in the four local government areas being demanded, appear to be living in the same geographical area contiguous to one another. Their custom, tradition and interest also seem to be common.
ENDS.
AKANIMO SAMPSON
ROW OVER $20M CLAIM BY BAYELSA COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY youths in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, say they are yet to settle with the Anglo-Dutch oil and gas major, Shell, on their protracted agitation for the sum of $20 million as compensation for the ills of the company in their area.
They told our correspondent on Friday that they are still boiling over the alleged socio-economic and environmental sins of Shell, in their area.
But the subsidiary of the Anglo-Dutch oil corporation in Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) says there is no need to split hairs in the Ijaw community. The Warri office of the company in Delta State is claiming that community development projects in the area has so far gulped over N800 million.
The company’s claim does not seem to be going down well with some of the aggrieved youths under the banner of Concerned Iduwini , a radical group in Ekeremor. The group which is galvanised by Johnson Biboye, has always been accusing the oil giant of not honouring agreements reached with oil-bearing communities in the area.
“The crude activities of Shell in Ekeremor in the past 39 years, have led to lost of lives, and loss of traditional occupations. As a result of oil spills, our people can no longer farm and fish”, Biboye said on phone.
According to him, a rig which the oil company allegedly abandoned in their river has so far claimed the lives of over 40 fisherfolks in the area. For the alleged industrial negligence, the Ekeremor youths are demanding the sum of $20 million as compensation for the families of the fisherfolks who lost their lives.
The youths who were first locked in confrontation with the company in the middle of 2006, are also pressing for the immediate reinstatement of all community persons who were dropped as Shell workers in 2001 as well as payment of their full entitlements.
They are also asking for speedy implementation of all agreements the company reached with communities within the Bonga oil field. To avoid some unpleasant consequences, they want the oil company to meet their demands within the shortest possible time.
In the mean time, the Ekeremor youths say they will likely be in support of any proposal by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) or any other insurgent group which is aimed at claiming what belongs to the “oppressed and impoverished” peoples of the Niger Delta.
They have also joined in calling on Abuja to begin a genuine programme of developing the riverine communities of the oil region.
Although there was no official confirmation from Shell in Port Harcourt , the Concerned Iduwini says they have made a formal presentation to Shell senior executives in Nigeria on their grievances with the oil company.
A company official in their Warri office which oversees affairs in Bayelsa state however, claimed that Shell will certainly look at their case, pointing out that the company is not opposed to frank dialogue with communities and civil society groups. ENDS.
ROW OVER $20M CLAIM BY BAYELSA COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY youths in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, say they are yet to settle with the Anglo-Dutch oil and gas major, Shell, on their protracted agitation for the sum of $20 million as compensation for the ills of the company in their area.
They told our correspondent on Friday that they are still boiling over the alleged socio-economic and environmental sins of Shell, in their area.
But the subsidiary of the Anglo-Dutch oil corporation in Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) says there is no need to split hairs in the Ijaw community. The Warri office of the company in Delta State is claiming that community development projects in the area has so far gulped over N800 million.
The company’s claim does not seem to be going down well with some of the aggrieved youths under the banner of Concerned Iduwini , a radical group in Ekeremor. The group which is galvanised by Johnson Biboye, has always been accusing the oil giant of not honouring agreements reached with oil-bearing communities in the area.
“The crude activities of Shell in Ekeremor in the past 39 years, have led to lost of lives, and loss of traditional occupations. As a result of oil spills, our people can no longer farm and fish”, Biboye said on phone.
According to him, a rig which the oil company allegedly abandoned in their river has so far claimed the lives of over 40 fisherfolks in the area. For the alleged industrial negligence, the Ekeremor youths are demanding the sum of $20 million as compensation for the families of the fisherfolks who lost their lives.
The youths who were first locked in confrontation with the company in the middle of 2006, are also pressing for the immediate reinstatement of all community persons who were dropped as Shell workers in 2001 as well as payment of their full entitlements.
They are also asking for speedy implementation of all agreements the company reached with communities within the Bonga oil field. To avoid some unpleasant consequences, they want the oil company to meet their demands within the shortest possible time.
In the mean time, the Ekeremor youths say they will likely be in support of any proposal by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) or any other insurgent group which is aimed at claiming what belongs to the “oppressed and impoverished” peoples of the Niger Delta.
They have also joined in calling on Abuja to begin a genuine programme of developing the riverine communities of the oil region.
Although there was no official confirmation from Shell in Port Harcourt , the Concerned Iduwini says they have made a formal presentation to Shell senior executives in Nigeria on their grievances with the oil company.
A company official in their Warri office which oversees affairs in Bayelsa state however, claimed that Shell will certainly look at their case, pointing out that the company is not opposed to frank dialogue with communities and civil society groups. ENDS.
GROUP WRITES AMAECHI, RIVERS GOVERNOR ON NDDC CONTRACT AWARDS
We write to voice our displeasure with the recent award of contracts by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.
Specifically, we wish to condemn in very strong terms, the award of the Bonny Ring Road & Bridges Project in Rivers State to a company that has nothing to do with engineering and construction, Jafac Motors/Jafac Invetsments Ltd for the whopping sum of Eleven billion, two hundred and four million, one hundred and sixty eight thousand, twenty naira and ten kobo (N 11, 204, 168, 023.00).
This award, coming on the heels on the appointment of a Rivers man, Chibuzor Ugwoha as Managing Director of the NDDC is a slap on the face of the people of Rivers State and an insult on the efforts our forebears who fought so long to bring development to their land.
The questions are? How did a car dealer suddenly become a high profile construction company? Why was a contract of that magnitude not awarded to tested and proven companies like Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) or Setraco as Julius Berger has chosen to leave the Niger Delta? Who authorized such a contract?
What contracts of such a whopping magnitude has Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd ever done in the Niger Delta? Who is fronting for Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd? Why make Rivers state a test or playing group for dubious, up-front paying contractors?
Our dear Governor, on the behalf of the youths of Rivers State, we reject the manner of award of these contracts and declare the process as fraudulent and deceit-ridden.
For almost a decade, we have watched with despair as almost 95% of the roads built by NDDC have suddenly collapsed. In fact, roads constructed less than two years ago by the Niger Delta Development Commission have nearly all collapsed. How long will we allow a people to shortchange and abuse our heritage?
What has happened to all the multi-billion naira contracts awarded by NDDC in Rivers State in the recent years? How far has the Kula Shore Protection project gone? Is the contractor not complaining that he has shared up all the money with NDDC top shots?
Is there no one to cry for us?
We call on your Excellency therefore to please intervene and impress on our brother, the Managing Director of the Commission Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha and the Rivers State Representative on the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Georgewill to revoke these contracts immediately and re-award it to a more competent company.
If this is not done, the people of Bonny, Rivers State and the Niger Delta would not forgive him when the poor quality road that will be built begins to fail.
We wonder why Rivers State should be used a test ground for “wannabee” construction companies. We also wonder how a contract of this value can be given to a company without any engineering knowledge or competence. Do we not have people who can plead our case?
Your Excellency, Please intervene.
Sincerely Yours in the service of Rivers State
Somina Dagogo Jumbo
For: Rivers Enterprise Group
APPENDIX: 8.31 Construction of Agadagbo-Obon-Arogbo
Road/Bridges
Messrs. Piccolo Brunelli Presidency(NDDC) N 1,952,265,158.20 30 Months
8.32 Construction of University Hostel, Ondo
State University
Messrs. Breben Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,180,476,545.26 78 Weeks
8.33 Construction of Ugbo-Oghoye Road
Phase I
Messrs. Setraco Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 19,409,143,685.70 40 Months
RIVERS STATE
8.34 Construction Igbiri-Abam-Abbo-Obe Link
Road and Bridges
Messrs. Madmosele Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,985,708,705.22 18 Months
8.35 Construction of Obagi Internal Road Messrs. Aquadecks Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,391,901,532.88 24 Months
8.36 Construction of East-West Nyokuntem-
Baalueku-onne-lugbe-Taaba-Okidali
Road
Messrs. Reynolds const. Co Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,506,483,641.94 24 Months
8.37 Rural Electrification Project in Abua-
Odual LGA
Messrs. Cascade Eng Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 181,414,258.20 8 Months
8.38 Construction of Bonny Ring Road/Bridges Messrs. Jafac Investment Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 11,204,168,023.10 22 Months
8.39 Construction of Ubimini-Obiosimni Road
and Bridge
Messsrs. Franez Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,397,320,240.12 18 Months
8.40 Kaa-Ataba Road and Bridge Messrs. Atafranc Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 3,062,385,032.98 24 Months
8.41 Construction of JoinKrama Community
International Road Network
Messrs. Madif Eng. Services Presidency(NDDC) N 1,994,810,853.03 18 Months
8.42 Construction of Ognokom-Degema Road
and Bridge
Messrs. Rojbel Services Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 3,769,639,996.82 18 Months
8.43 Construction of Trans-Orashi Highway Messsrs. Hado Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 4,308,601,810.80 20 Months
8.44 Construction of Dualization of Airport
Road to Iwofe
Messrs. Coggipar Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,740,532,507.05 18 Months
Total N 179,133,700,684.11
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We write to voice our displeasure with the recent award of contracts by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.
Specifically, we wish to condemn in very strong terms, the award of the Bonny Ring Road & Bridges Project in Rivers State to a company that has nothing to do with engineering and construction, Jafac Motors/Jafac Invetsments Ltd for the whopping sum of Eleven billion, two hundred and four million, one hundred and sixty eight thousand, twenty naira and ten kobo (N 11, 204, 168, 023.00).
This award, coming on the heels on the appointment of a Rivers man, Chibuzor Ugwoha as Managing Director of the NDDC is a slap on the face of the people of Rivers State and an insult on the efforts our forebears who fought so long to bring development to their land.
The questions are? How did a car dealer suddenly become a high profile construction company? Why was a contract of that magnitude not awarded to tested and proven companies like Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) or Setraco as Julius Berger has chosen to leave the Niger Delta? Who authorized such a contract?
What contracts of such a whopping magnitude has Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd ever done in the Niger Delta? Who is fronting for Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd? Why make Rivers state a test or playing group for dubious, up-front paying contractors?
Our dear Governor, on the behalf of the youths of Rivers State, we reject the manner of award of these contracts and declare the process as fraudulent and deceit-ridden.
For almost a decade, we have watched with despair as almost 95% of the roads built by NDDC have suddenly collapsed. In fact, roads constructed less than two years ago by the Niger Delta Development Commission have nearly all collapsed. How long will we allow a people to shortchange and abuse our heritage?
What has happened to all the multi-billion naira contracts awarded by NDDC in Rivers State in the recent years? How far has the Kula Shore Protection project gone? Is the contractor not complaining that he has shared up all the money with NDDC top shots?
Is there no one to cry for us?
We call on your Excellency therefore to please intervene and impress on our brother, the Managing Director of the Commission Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha and the Rivers State Representative on the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Georgewill to revoke these contracts immediately and re-award it to a more competent company.
If this is not done, the people of Bonny, Rivers State and the Niger Delta would not forgive him when the poor quality road that will be built begins to fail.
We wonder why Rivers State should be used a test ground for “wannabee” construction companies. We also wonder how a contract of this value can be given to a company without any engineering knowledge or competence. Do we not have people who can plead our case?
Your Excellency, Please intervene.
Sincerely Yours in the service of Rivers State
Somina Dagogo Jumbo
For: Rivers Enterprise Group
APPENDIX: 8.31 Construction of Agadagbo-Obon-Arogbo
Road/Bridges
Messrs. Piccolo Brunelli Presidency(NDDC) N 1,952,265,158.20 30 Months
8.32 Construction of University Hostel, Ondo
State University
Messrs. Breben Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,180,476,545.26 78 Weeks
8.33 Construction of Ugbo-Oghoye Road
Phase I
Messrs. Setraco Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 19,409,143,685.70 40 Months
RIVERS STATE
8.34 Construction Igbiri-Abam-Abbo-Obe Link
Road and Bridges
Messrs. Madmosele Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,985,708,705.22 18 Months
8.35 Construction of Obagi Internal Road Messrs. Aquadecks Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,391,901,532.88 24 Months
8.36 Construction of East-West Nyokuntem-
Baalueku-onne-lugbe-Taaba-Okidali
Road
Messrs. Reynolds const. Co Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,506,483,641.94 24 Months
8.37 Rural Electrification Project in Abua-
Odual LGA
Messrs. Cascade Eng Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 181,414,258.20 8 Months
8.38 Construction of Bonny Ring Road/Bridges Messrs. Jafac Investment Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 11,204,168,023.10 22 Months
8.39 Construction of Ubimini-Obiosimni Road
and Bridge
Messsrs. Franez Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 2,397,320,240.12 18 Months
8.40 Kaa-Ataba Road and Bridge Messrs. Atafranc Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 3,062,385,032.98 24 Months
8.41 Construction of JoinKrama Community
International Road Network
Messrs. Madif Eng. Services Presidency(NDDC) N 1,994,810,853.03 18 Months
8.42 Construction of Ognokom-Degema Road
and Bridge
Messrs. Rojbel Services Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 3,769,639,996.82 18 Months
8.43 Construction of Trans-Orashi Highway Messsrs. Hado Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 4,308,601,810.80 20 Months
8.44 Construction of Dualization of Airport
Road to Iwofe
Messrs. Coggipar Nig Ltd Presidency(NDDC) N 1,740,532,507.05 18 Months
Total N 179,133,700,684.11
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FOOD CRISIS RAVAGES RURAL HAITI
RURAL communities in Haiti are currently beng ravaged by a food crisis. Anews report by AkanimoReports says this is coming more than a month after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
The report however, says the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the international humanitarian organization CARE have already issued a joint alert over a national food crisis.
“This is a hidden but pervasive crisis that has already touched all corners of the country,” said Dick Trenchard, Assessments Coordinator for FAO in Haiti. “Rural areas experiencing the highest levels of displacement from Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas are the most affected, particularly the Artibonite in the west and Grand’Anse in the south.”
Rapid assessments undertaken by FAO and its partners in the Agriculture Cluster have shown that “host families” caring for displaced people are spending their meagre savings to feed new arrivals and consuming food stocks.
In many cases these poor people are resorting to eating the seeds they have stored for the next planting season and eating or selling their livestock, in particular goats.
“We are seeing clear signs that people are already resorting to worrying and unsustainable coping strategies to try and help the estimated 500 000 people who migrated to rural areas and other smaller urban centres after the earthquake,” said Trenchard.
“The main planting season, which accounts for over 60 percent of annual production, will start in less than a fortnight,” said Jean-Dominique Bodard, CARE’s Emergency Food Security Specialist.
“If the host families have no means to buy seeds or other ways to obtain quality seeds, this will be a disaster for them,” he added. “There is another aspect to this vicious circle. Due to lack of cash, many host farmers will not be able to hire day labourers for the planting.
“As a result, the labourers will not earn money to feed their families and the planting will not be carried out to the extent it could be if the workforce were available,” Bodard said.
In the rural sector, farmers lack cash to buy seeds for the upcoming planting season and food prices have already risen 10 percent compared to before the quake – an indicator for worse things to come. One immediate solution might be cash-for-work programmes in the agricultural sector.
“We need to inject money fast before the planting season starts”, explained Bodard. “Food distributions can help alleviate the immediate suffering after the disaster, but in the long run what is needed most is cash for the farmers to be able to invest and regain their autonomy.”
FAO has kick-started a small cash-for-work programme cleaning out irrigation canals in Léogâne and CARE will work to scale it up in the coming days from, 600 to 4 000 people.
“This will be a much-needed financial boost at a crucial time when people are desperate to take their lives back into their own hands and will provide a much-needed injection into rural markets that have slumped since the earthquake,” said Trenchard.
As part of the recovery phase, CARE plans to support community-based organizations in activities such as water management, product marketing and capacity building.
These activities will contribute directly to the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development’s “Special Emergency and Support to Food Production Programme in Haiti in Response to the 12 January 2010 Earthquake, the Integration of Displaced Populations and prevention of the hurricane season.”
That programme is supported by FAO and the Inter-American Institution for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
As the leader of the UN’s agricultural cluster in Haiti, FAO coordinates international and national organisations in the sector. Part of its work is to ensure donors and agencies on the ground work within government guidelines.
CARE is already present in Léogâne, a farming town to the west of Port-au Prince that was 80 percent destroyed by the earthquake, providing shelter, emergency supplies, water and sanitation facilities and health support for mothers and pregnant women.
FAO is supporting small scale farmers with essential agriculture inputs such as quality seeds and tools are being distributed. ENDS
RURAL communities in Haiti are currently beng ravaged by a food crisis. Anews report by AkanimoReports says this is coming more than a month after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
The report however, says the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the international humanitarian organization CARE have already issued a joint alert over a national food crisis.
“This is a hidden but pervasive crisis that has already touched all corners of the country,” said Dick Trenchard, Assessments Coordinator for FAO in Haiti. “Rural areas experiencing the highest levels of displacement from Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas are the most affected, particularly the Artibonite in the west and Grand’Anse in the south.”
Rapid assessments undertaken by FAO and its partners in the Agriculture Cluster have shown that “host families” caring for displaced people are spending their meagre savings to feed new arrivals and consuming food stocks.
In many cases these poor people are resorting to eating the seeds they have stored for the next planting season and eating or selling their livestock, in particular goats.
“We are seeing clear signs that people are already resorting to worrying and unsustainable coping strategies to try and help the estimated 500 000 people who migrated to rural areas and other smaller urban centres after the earthquake,” said Trenchard.
“The main planting season, which accounts for over 60 percent of annual production, will start in less than a fortnight,” said Jean-Dominique Bodard, CARE’s Emergency Food Security Specialist.
“If the host families have no means to buy seeds or other ways to obtain quality seeds, this will be a disaster for them,” he added. “There is another aspect to this vicious circle. Due to lack of cash, many host farmers will not be able to hire day labourers for the planting.
“As a result, the labourers will not earn money to feed their families and the planting will not be carried out to the extent it could be if the workforce were available,” Bodard said.
In the rural sector, farmers lack cash to buy seeds for the upcoming planting season and food prices have already risen 10 percent compared to before the quake – an indicator for worse things to come. One immediate solution might be cash-for-work programmes in the agricultural sector.
“We need to inject money fast before the planting season starts”, explained Bodard. “Food distributions can help alleviate the immediate suffering after the disaster, but in the long run what is needed most is cash for the farmers to be able to invest and regain their autonomy.”
FAO has kick-started a small cash-for-work programme cleaning out irrigation canals in Léogâne and CARE will work to scale it up in the coming days from, 600 to 4 000 people.
“This will be a much-needed financial boost at a crucial time when people are desperate to take their lives back into their own hands and will provide a much-needed injection into rural markets that have slumped since the earthquake,” said Trenchard.
As part of the recovery phase, CARE plans to support community-based organizations in activities such as water management, product marketing and capacity building.
These activities will contribute directly to the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development’s “Special Emergency and Support to Food Production Programme in Haiti in Response to the 12 January 2010 Earthquake, the Integration of Displaced Populations and prevention of the hurricane season.”
That programme is supported by FAO and the Inter-American Institution for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
As the leader of the UN’s agricultural cluster in Haiti, FAO coordinates international and national organisations in the sector. Part of its work is to ensure donors and agencies on the ground work within government guidelines.
CARE is already present in Léogâne, a farming town to the west of Port-au Prince that was 80 percent destroyed by the earthquake, providing shelter, emergency supplies, water and sanitation facilities and health support for mothers and pregnant women.
FAO is supporting small scale farmers with essential agriculture inputs such as quality seeds and tools are being distributed. ENDS
Thursday, February 18, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
GROUP TACKLES SYLVA, BAYELSA GOVERNOR
A RELATIVELY new civil society group in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW) has taken on the state Governor, Timipre Sylva, alleging that he has not been delivering on his promises.
While swearing-in members of his cabinet, Sylva had directed them to always render quarterly account of their stewardship to the electorate. This, in the governor's thinking, was aimed at enshrining accountability and transparency in the affairs of the state.
But the Executive Director of the group, Mr. Nengi James, claimed in a statement on Thursday that nothing of such was taking place in the oil and gas rich state.
''It is based on this premise that the Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Dr. Sylva Opuala Charles, is being called upon to make public the present financial position of the state in line with the wishes and aspiration of the citizens'', Mr. James said.
According to the group, ''the people of Bayelsa are being kept in the dark on the allocations and revenue accruing to the state government vis-à-vis loans and government expenditure. This scenario has bred suspicion and contempt by a cross section of the people''.
The group is claiming that the people want to know how much the state has borrowed from financial institutions to fund projects, and how much has been paid as well as the balance and interest rate. Similarly, the true amount owed contractors should also be made public.
* Another burning issue begging for clarification is the sale of government properties notably the Opolo commissioners’ quarters, the House of Assembly quarters and others. How was the financial transaction carried out?
* They believe that the sale of these houses is unwarranted, illegal, null and void, and subject to revocation because it has no legal backing whatsoever bearing in mind that the state government Commercialization and Privatization Bill is still under debate in the state House of Assembly,
The group said they will support Bayelsa citizens to rise up and challenge the ''arbitrary mortgaging'' of their common wealth without appropriate measures in place to ensure that more of such houses are built to replace the sold ones.
Most ministries like Finance and Budget, Capital City Development Authority (CCDA) and others are allegedly engaging the services of private consultants in carrying out its activities.
''This act is most questionable and fraudulent and must be jettison because the civil service has all the manpower necessary to handle most of these duplicated consultancy services. However, consultancy must only be required in highly technical matters'', the group said.
They therefore, want the legislative arm of the state government to extend their oversight function to ministries involved in recruiting consultants with the view to meting out appropriate sanctions because of the volume of financial wastage and leakages it has cause tax payers. ENDS
GROUP TACKLES SYLVA, BAYELSA GOVERNOR
A RELATIVELY new civil society group in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW) has taken on the state Governor, Timipre Sylva, alleging that he has not been delivering on his promises.
While swearing-in members of his cabinet, Sylva had directed them to always render quarterly account of their stewardship to the electorate. This, in the governor's thinking, was aimed at enshrining accountability and transparency in the affairs of the state.
But the Executive Director of the group, Mr. Nengi James, claimed in a statement on Thursday that nothing of such was taking place in the oil and gas rich state.
''It is based on this premise that the Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Dr. Sylva Opuala Charles, is being called upon to make public the present financial position of the state in line with the wishes and aspiration of the citizens'', Mr. James said.
According to the group, ''the people of Bayelsa are being kept in the dark on the allocations and revenue accruing to the state government vis-à-vis loans and government expenditure. This scenario has bred suspicion and contempt by a cross section of the people''.
The group is claiming that the people want to know how much the state has borrowed from financial institutions to fund projects, and how much has been paid as well as the balance and interest rate. Similarly, the true amount owed contractors should also be made public.
* Another burning issue begging for clarification is the sale of government properties notably the Opolo commissioners’ quarters, the House of Assembly quarters and others. How was the financial transaction carried out?
* They believe that the sale of these houses is unwarranted, illegal, null and void, and subject to revocation because it has no legal backing whatsoever bearing in mind that the state government Commercialization and Privatization Bill is still under debate in the state House of Assembly,
The group said they will support Bayelsa citizens to rise up and challenge the ''arbitrary mortgaging'' of their common wealth without appropriate measures in place to ensure that more of such houses are built to replace the sold ones.
Most ministries like Finance and Budget, Capital City Development Authority (CCDA) and others are allegedly engaging the services of private consultants in carrying out its activities.
''This act is most questionable and fraudulent and must be jettison because the civil service has all the manpower necessary to handle most of these duplicated consultancy services. However, consultancy must only be required in highly technical matters'', the group said.
They therefore, want the legislative arm of the state government to extend their oversight function to ministries involved in recruiting consultants with the view to meting out appropriate sanctions because of the volume of financial wastage and leakages it has cause tax payers. ENDS
CONSTRUCTION WORKS BEGIN IN RIVERS VARSITY
GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of construction work on the New Campus of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, (RSUST), at the Greater Port Harcourt City.
Performing the ceremony today, Governor Amaechi said the construction would commence with the building of hostels which are to be used to accommodate athletes and officials during the forth-coming 17th National Sports Festival to be hosted by the state in October this year.
The governor, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on the Development of the New State University of Science and Technology, Mrs Vivien Braide, explained that the state is expected to host about 15,000 athletes, coaches and officials during the sports festival.
The State Chief Executive remarked that the ceremony was significant and expressed the hope that despite the peculiar challenges of our environment, the construction of the hostels would be completed before the commencement of the games.
Governor Amaechi lauded the firm handling the construction work at the new University, for the readiness it has shown to deliver the project.
In his remarks, the Dean, Students Affairs, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof Kelvin Bob-Manuel, described the groundbreaking ceremony as memorable and commended Governor Amaechi for the good work he is doing for the University and people of the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Managing Director, Zerock, Mr Mavoun Kassouf, said his company was glad to be part of what he described as “a big project” and gave the assurance that the hotels would be delivered on schedule.
He stated that the new University would be of world Class standard, pointing out that as soon as the hotels were completed and the Sports Festival concluded, the project would move into phase two development.
According to him, the phase two involves building of the faculties, accommodation for Deans, and the Vice Chancellor, administrative block and the library amongst others.
GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of construction work on the New Campus of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, (RSUST), at the Greater Port Harcourt City.
Performing the ceremony today, Governor Amaechi said the construction would commence with the building of hostels which are to be used to accommodate athletes and officials during the forth-coming 17th National Sports Festival to be hosted by the state in October this year.
The governor, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on the Development of the New State University of Science and Technology, Mrs Vivien Braide, explained that the state is expected to host about 15,000 athletes, coaches and officials during the sports festival.
The State Chief Executive remarked that the ceremony was significant and expressed the hope that despite the peculiar challenges of our environment, the construction of the hostels would be completed before the commencement of the games.
Governor Amaechi lauded the firm handling the construction work at the new University, for the readiness it has shown to deliver the project.
In his remarks, the Dean, Students Affairs, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Prof Kelvin Bob-Manuel, described the groundbreaking ceremony as memorable and commended Governor Amaechi for the good work he is doing for the University and people of the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Managing Director, Zerock, Mr Mavoun Kassouf, said his company was glad to be part of what he described as “a big project” and gave the assurance that the hotels would be delivered on schedule.
He stated that the new University would be of world Class standard, pointing out that as soon as the hotels were completed and the Sports Festival concluded, the project would move into phase two development.
According to him, the phase two involves building of the faculties, accommodation for Deans, and the Vice Chancellor, administrative block and the library amongst others.
AKANIMO SAMPSON
FOOD SECURITY DEPENDS ON AGRIC, SAYS UNDP CHIEF
CHIEF Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in a chat that world food security depended upon getting “back to basics” with agriculture.
The former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who now heads the UNDP, spoke on what she saw as the solution to future food security problems. Responding to questions on Thursday on Zealand’s national radio show Nine to Noon, Ms. Clark said that “smarter farming and production has got to be part of the solution”.
The radio programme was however, monitored for our correspondent by the Chair of the Friends of the Earth International (FoEI), Nnimmo Bassey.
Bassey who is also the Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Nigeria, said when asked directly if she agreed with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s science advisor Dr. Nina Federoff that without GE (genetic engineering) the world would suffer future food shortages, she said “I don’t think GE is the solution to the food security problem.”
Instead, Clark argued for more funding for agriculture that emphasised
solutions to the problems faced by poor farmers. Public funding for
extension services and agricultural research that improves
productivity and yield had to increase rather than relying upon
genetically modified organisms.
Ms. Clark could have been reading straight from the International
Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for
Development (IAASTD), the internationally peer-reviewed World Bank and UN report published last year after winning endorsement from 58
governments.
This report represents the work of the largest research
effort to date on the history and future of modern agriculture.
Consistent with Clark’s statements, the IAASTD also endorsed a renewed emphasis on technologies that have proven track records for improving yield, reducing external inputs into agroecosystems, preventing the conversion of more land for agriculture and helping agriculture to improve the lives of poor and subsistence farmers.
Those kinds of technologies include conventional crop breeding,
agroecological methods for increasing soil moisture retention and
decreasing erosion, and intensification using more diverse cropping
strategies and cover crops rather than fossil fuel-intensive
fertilizers and damaging monocultures.
The giant agrochemical and biotechnology companies, along with
Federoff, have been advocating reduced regulation and broader uptake of GE in order to feed the world. Clark noted, however, that using crops for biofuel was competing with crops for food. She concluded that “I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that modified crops were the answer.” ENDS
FOOD SECURITY DEPENDS ON AGRIC, SAYS UNDP CHIEF
CHIEF Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in a chat that world food security depended upon getting “back to basics” with agriculture.
The former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who now heads the UNDP, spoke on what she saw as the solution to future food security problems. Responding to questions on Thursday on Zealand’s national radio show Nine to Noon, Ms. Clark said that “smarter farming and production has got to be part of the solution”.
The radio programme was however, monitored for our correspondent by the Chair of the Friends of the Earth International (FoEI), Nnimmo Bassey.
Bassey who is also the Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Nigeria, said when asked directly if she agreed with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s science advisor Dr. Nina Federoff that without GE (genetic engineering) the world would suffer future food shortages, she said “I don’t think GE is the solution to the food security problem.”
Instead, Clark argued for more funding for agriculture that emphasised
solutions to the problems faced by poor farmers. Public funding for
extension services and agricultural research that improves
productivity and yield had to increase rather than relying upon
genetically modified organisms.
Ms. Clark could have been reading straight from the International
Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for
Development (IAASTD), the internationally peer-reviewed World Bank and UN report published last year after winning endorsement from 58
governments.
This report represents the work of the largest research
effort to date on the history and future of modern agriculture.
Consistent with Clark’s statements, the IAASTD also endorsed a renewed emphasis on technologies that have proven track records for improving yield, reducing external inputs into agroecosystems, preventing the conversion of more land for agriculture and helping agriculture to improve the lives of poor and subsistence farmers.
Those kinds of technologies include conventional crop breeding,
agroecological methods for increasing soil moisture retention and
decreasing erosion, and intensification using more diverse cropping
strategies and cover crops rather than fossil fuel-intensive
fertilizers and damaging monocultures.
The giant agrochemical and biotechnology companies, along with
Federoff, have been advocating reduced regulation and broader uptake of GE in order to feed the world. Clark noted, however, that using crops for biofuel was competing with crops for food. She concluded that “I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that modified crops were the answer.” ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
FIFTH COLUMNISTS MOVE AGAINST JONATHAN, RECRUIT FIGHTERS
JOINT Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network in the volatile Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas basin, has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by the enemies of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to distabilise the country.
JRC Spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte, claimed in an on-line statement on Thursday that the said trouble makers were already recruiting mersanaries to cause mayhem in the oil region.
According to her, the JRC was not of the distabilising forces. Their statement goes thus:
''We wish to inform and alert all men of goodwill of the attempt by an intensely dubious cabal to recruit young men from the Niger Delta to engage in acts that will destabilize the political status quo and question the ability of Goodluck Jonathan to act effectively as President of the Nigerian state.
''We are well informed that this cabal seeks to recruit high risk elements for the sabotage of key oil and gas infrastructures across the Niger Delta. Their intention is to create the impression that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan is incapable of managing the Niger Delta question and running the affairs of this contraption called Nigeria.
''We condemn this people and warn them to stay off the Niger Delta territory.
We believe that this cabal is made up of politically frustrated Northern elements in collaboration with failing politicians of South-South extraction.
We hereby declare that we cannot be used as pawns in a chessboard to fight against our own. Our struggle is a just one.'' ENDS
FIFTH COLUMNISTS MOVE AGAINST JONATHAN, RECRUIT FIGHTERS
JOINT Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network in the volatile Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas basin, has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by the enemies of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to distabilise the country.
JRC Spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte, claimed in an on-line statement on Thursday that the said trouble makers were already recruiting mersanaries to cause mayhem in the oil region.
According to her, the JRC was not of the distabilising forces. Their statement goes thus:
''We wish to inform and alert all men of goodwill of the attempt by an intensely dubious cabal to recruit young men from the Niger Delta to engage in acts that will destabilize the political status quo and question the ability of Goodluck Jonathan to act effectively as President of the Nigerian state.
''We are well informed that this cabal seeks to recruit high risk elements for the sabotage of key oil and gas infrastructures across the Niger Delta. Their intention is to create the impression that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan is incapable of managing the Niger Delta question and running the affairs of this contraption called Nigeria.
''We condemn this people and warn them to stay off the Niger Delta territory.
We believe that this cabal is made up of politically frustrated Northern elements in collaboration with failing politicians of South-South extraction.
We hereby declare that we cannot be used as pawns in a chessboard to fight against our own. Our struggle is a just one.'' ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
MILITANTS DARE JONATHAN: FAIL, DON'T COME HOME
UNREPENTANT militants of the Niger Delta say they have a score to settle with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan if he fails to perform better than others before him in office.
Spokesperson of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network, Cynthia Whyte, who spoke in an on-line interview on Thursday, argued that if the acting president fails to perform, they will not allow him to return home.
According to the JRC spokesperson, ''if he (Jonathan) does not perform, he will not be allowed to return to the Niger Delta. He knows what we are capable of''.
The armed rebels do not also want the acting president to surround himself with ''people who cannot look him in the eye and get him to do the right thing. It would not be in his interest to surround himself with self seeking politicians''.
''He should look for bold faced and straight talking advisers; people like Professor Kimse Okoko should be quickly recruited. Secondly, he should not be in a hurry to completely overhaul the cabinet as it is basically the same government'', the insurgents said.
Continuing, they added, ''we know that (President Umaru) Yar’Adua had plans to change the cabinet. Jonathan should therefore proceed on this course in a very strategic manner''.
The truth, according to them, however, remains that change is inevitable, pointing out, we will continue to watch the emerging and evolving process.
''We have been in touch with Jonathan and he has been very willing to ensure that the right thing is done. Unfortunately, some dubious cabals in the Presidency have refused to allow him have an active hand in the way and manner in which issues of the Niger Delta are sorted out'', the JRC said.
As Nigeria's acting president, the insurgents said they are expecting him to quicken the process of pacification and speedy development of the Ijaw and Niger Delta territory.
''He was instrumental to the setting-up of the Presidential Committee on Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution which was headed by Senator David Brigidi as well as the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee (NDTC).
The JRC is blaming government's inaction on these committees' reports on unnamed ''certain groups'' around Yar’ Adua. They said what they hope to see in the next few weeks ''is a speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Mitee Committee.
Already, a combat unit of the Joint Revolutionary Council has already returned to the creeks. Their ability to agitate the polity cannot be underestimated.
''Jonathan needs to inject new blood and fresh ideas to enable him work efficiently. Dead woods, sycophants and greed infested elements should be removed from the system.
Officers like the Energy Minister should be given the boot'', they said. ENDS
MILITANTS DARE JONATHAN: FAIL, DON'T COME HOME
UNREPENTANT militants of the Niger Delta say they have a score to settle with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan if he fails to perform better than others before him in office.
Spokesperson of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network, Cynthia Whyte, who spoke in an on-line interview on Thursday, argued that if the acting president fails to perform, they will not allow him to return home.
According to the JRC spokesperson, ''if he (Jonathan) does not perform, he will not be allowed to return to the Niger Delta. He knows what we are capable of''.
The armed rebels do not also want the acting president to surround himself with ''people who cannot look him in the eye and get him to do the right thing. It would not be in his interest to surround himself with self seeking politicians''.
''He should look for bold faced and straight talking advisers; people like Professor Kimse Okoko should be quickly recruited. Secondly, he should not be in a hurry to completely overhaul the cabinet as it is basically the same government'', the insurgents said.
Continuing, they added, ''we know that (President Umaru) Yar’Adua had plans to change the cabinet. Jonathan should therefore proceed on this course in a very strategic manner''.
The truth, according to them, however, remains that change is inevitable, pointing out, we will continue to watch the emerging and evolving process.
''We have been in touch with Jonathan and he has been very willing to ensure that the right thing is done. Unfortunately, some dubious cabals in the Presidency have refused to allow him have an active hand in the way and manner in which issues of the Niger Delta are sorted out'', the JRC said.
As Nigeria's acting president, the insurgents said they are expecting him to quicken the process of pacification and speedy development of the Ijaw and Niger Delta territory.
''He was instrumental to the setting-up of the Presidential Committee on Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution which was headed by Senator David Brigidi as well as the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee (NDTC).
The JRC is blaming government's inaction on these committees' reports on unnamed ''certain groups'' around Yar’ Adua. They said what they hope to see in the next few weeks ''is a speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Mitee Committee.
Already, a combat unit of the Joint Revolutionary Council has already returned to the creeks. Their ability to agitate the polity cannot be underestimated.
''Jonathan needs to inject new blood and fresh ideas to enable him work efficiently. Dead woods, sycophants and greed infested elements should be removed from the system.
Officers like the Energy Minister should be given the boot'', they said. ENDS
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
YAR'ADUA: MILITANTS TACKLE MINSTERS, CHIDE SECURITY AGENCIES
INSURGENTS of the Niger Delta on the platform of the Network of Freedom Fighters (NFF) have taken on the Executive Council of the Federation, and the country's security agencies saying they have disappointed the Nigerian people on their handling of President Umaru Yar'Adua's health condition.
The group said it was disappointing that the security agencies could not furnish the country with facts of Yar'Adua's state of health since he left the country to Saudi Arabia on November 23, 2009 in search of healing.
Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Nengi James, told our correspondent on phone on Wdnesday that the time has come for the Executive Council of the Federation to invoke Section 144 of the 1999 Constitution to ''settle the case of the missing president''.
Mr. James said the NFF will forced to apply others means to press ministers to uphold the sanctity of the country's constitution.
''It is a big shame that all the secdurity agencies of the Nigerian state have not been able to provide the country with the essential facts on Yar'Adua'', the insurgents said.
The insurgents spoke as a pro-democracy activist, Mr. Johnny Soye Lulu-Barango, called on the leaders of the South-South geo-political zone to close ranks with a view to evolving tangible developmental projects for the people of the zone.
Mr. Lulu-Barango said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, ''i think this is the best time for our leaders in the south-south to put on their thinking cap, and help in making tangible contributions on the development of a constitution that will be fair to all sections of the country''.
On Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, he said, ''he should do all that is possible to squarely face what part of the Seven-point Agenda that is achievable within 18 months''.
In the mean time, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network which comprises of some units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF), and a couple of other groups, said they have started to hit at some strategic economic facilities in the volatile oil and gas region.
JRC Spokesperson, Bakabio Walter, is claiming that they are responsible for some of the incidents have taken place in the oil region recently. ''We have been carrying out pockets of attacks on oil facilities to press home our demand for justice'', he said on Wednesday.
According to him, the most recent of their attacks was the one at the early hours of Wednesday, February 10, 2010. ''On this day, one of our special commando units attacked and exploded the Tura Manifold belonging to Shell and located opposite Abonnema community in Rivers State''.
The said manifold connects Nembe Creek, Adamama, Belema, Soku Field, Ekulama 1 and Ekulama 2 Flow Stations to the Bonny Export Terminal.
''Our patriotic fighters fought and overpowered the military guards on duty (As all Shell Manifolds are always heavily guarded) before going ahead to explode the Tura Manifold. This is a follow up to an earlier attack on Obunama Creek last weekend'', the insurgent group said, pointing out that the goal is to effectively incapacitate the Bonny Export Terminal and reduce effectively, the export capacity and income of the occupation Nigerian State in readiness for an all out confrontation where they shall be resoundingly defeated.
Continuing, they added, ''in furtherance of our mission to achieve independence, our patriotic force attacked the heavily guarded Chanomi Creek in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, 2010 and overpowered members of the occupation force of the Nigerian State.
''The trunk line which belongs to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and transports crude oil from Escravos to far away Kaduna Refinery was exploded. Also, a gas pipeline connecting to Lagos was bombed in the process. With this, we have successfully cut off the supply of crude oil to Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical and part of the supply of gas to Lagos.
''The actions are continuous and are preparatory to the final war. Every little step we take today brings us closer to freedom.'' ENDS
YAR'ADUA: MILITANTS TACKLE MINSTERS, CHIDE SECURITY AGENCIES
INSURGENTS of the Niger Delta on the platform of the Network of Freedom Fighters (NFF) have taken on the Executive Council of the Federation, and the country's security agencies saying they have disappointed the Nigerian people on their handling of President Umaru Yar'Adua's health condition.
The group said it was disappointing that the security agencies could not furnish the country with facts of Yar'Adua's state of health since he left the country to Saudi Arabia on November 23, 2009 in search of healing.
Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Nengi James, told our correspondent on phone on Wdnesday that the time has come for the Executive Council of the Federation to invoke Section 144 of the 1999 Constitution to ''settle the case of the missing president''.
Mr. James said the NFF will forced to apply others means to press ministers to uphold the sanctity of the country's constitution.
''It is a big shame that all the secdurity agencies of the Nigerian state have not been able to provide the country with the essential facts on Yar'Adua'', the insurgents said.
The insurgents spoke as a pro-democracy activist, Mr. Johnny Soye Lulu-Barango, called on the leaders of the South-South geo-political zone to close ranks with a view to evolving tangible developmental projects for the people of the zone.
Mr. Lulu-Barango said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, ''i think this is the best time for our leaders in the south-south to put on their thinking cap, and help in making tangible contributions on the development of a constitution that will be fair to all sections of the country''.
On Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, he said, ''he should do all that is possible to squarely face what part of the Seven-point Agenda that is achievable within 18 months''.
In the mean time, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network which comprises of some units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF), and a couple of other groups, said they have started to hit at some strategic economic facilities in the volatile oil and gas region.
JRC Spokesperson, Bakabio Walter, is claiming that they are responsible for some of the incidents have taken place in the oil region recently. ''We have been carrying out pockets of attacks on oil facilities to press home our demand for justice'', he said on Wednesday.
According to him, the most recent of their attacks was the one at the early hours of Wednesday, February 10, 2010. ''On this day, one of our special commando units attacked and exploded the Tura Manifold belonging to Shell and located opposite Abonnema community in Rivers State''.
The said manifold connects Nembe Creek, Adamama, Belema, Soku Field, Ekulama 1 and Ekulama 2 Flow Stations to the Bonny Export Terminal.
''Our patriotic fighters fought and overpowered the military guards on duty (As all Shell Manifolds are always heavily guarded) before going ahead to explode the Tura Manifold. This is a follow up to an earlier attack on Obunama Creek last weekend'', the insurgent group said, pointing out that the goal is to effectively incapacitate the Bonny Export Terminal and reduce effectively, the export capacity and income of the occupation Nigerian State in readiness for an all out confrontation where they shall be resoundingly defeated.
Continuing, they added, ''in furtherance of our mission to achieve independence, our patriotic force attacked the heavily guarded Chanomi Creek in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, 2010 and overpowered members of the occupation force of the Nigerian State.
''The trunk line which belongs to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and transports crude oil from Escravos to far away Kaduna Refinery was exploded. Also, a gas pipeline connecting to Lagos was bombed in the process. With this, we have successfully cut off the supply of crude oil to Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical and part of the supply of gas to Lagos.
''The actions are continuous and are preparatory to the final war. Every little step we take today brings us closer to freedom.'' ENDS
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Odili’s Influence, Amaechi’s Fear
By Rubby Obinna
This article was born out of the recent outcry by the loquacious Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress (AC) led by the most political prostitute called Prince Tonye Princewill, a quashed prince of an invalidated Amayanabo of Kalabari dynasty. Princewill and Mr. Chibuike Amaechi (court-made-governor-of Rivers-State) are the most confusionists in a democracy like ours with their much tongue-in-the-cheek Unity Government. But we know where they are heading to: political oblivion. Because, Dr. Peter Odili, the indomitable ex-Governor of Rivers State wields a lot of influence in and outside of the Rivers State, and this has been Mr. Chibuike Amaechi’s goose pimple.
Let Amaechi form as many opposition alliances as he wants with the deceiving tactics of Princewill bringing about 43 opposition parties under the masqueraded Forum Of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) , he can’t achieve much as a politician if he doesn’t recognize the fact that Odili is a bigger masquerade in the state and with federal influence. In short, many Rivers people see Amaechi as a boy challenging a grandfather like Odili in the state’s political field. Amaechi has no political clout. After saving much money in his sworn-enemy, Odili’s administration, was when Amaechi understood that the money of the state he now controls are for the Rivers people. The Rivers people who are now impoverished in his government while his alloyed aides are over-fed?
Amaechi may be hiding under the guise of Rule of Law to hoodwink the masses, but keen observers knew that if there is any government that is corrupt in the history of the world, it is his. He was a Speaker, Odili made, and had his masters degree overseas. But to reward Odili who made him was to mar him through his Kangaroo Kayode Eso-led reconciliatory panel who on March 10, 2009, submitted its 571-page report to the shenanigan Amaechi-led administration. The panel identified the problems of governance, cultism, chieftaincy and some others as the root causes of the crises in the state? Was it not quite troubling that the next idea after trying to rubbish Odili, was for Eso to say that N250, 000 would be given to militants in exchange for each old gun? But how brainsless the idea was, did the militants not simply used the money to acquire more sophisticated weapons? And were the 15 communities that panel was said to have reconciled? All it achieved was to indict the Odili-led administration for hobnobbing with gang leaders, of which Amaechi was a strong participant.
But this does not surprise many Nigerians because Amaechi represents an English woman, Tracy Davies (40), who on October 2008 remembered that she wanted a baby but pregnancy eluded her. She grew upset, gave her partner, Mark Coghill, what turned out to be a painful kiss, midway into the celebration, when the man was actually celebrating his 45th birthday at Newcastle. Seeing her mood, Coghill reportedly went to comfort her. She asked for a kiss. He obliged. But within a few seconds, she planted her teeth on her man’s tongue. As a prosecutor told a Newcastle Crown Court. The man’s major regret is that he would never enjoy a curry nor distinguish between cheese and toast again.
Mrs. Rubby Obinna, is of Niger Delta Democrats. Email: nigerdeltademocrats@yahoo.com
By Rubby Obinna
This article was born out of the recent outcry by the loquacious Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress (AC) led by the most political prostitute called Prince Tonye Princewill, a quashed prince of an invalidated Amayanabo of Kalabari dynasty. Princewill and Mr. Chibuike Amaechi (court-made-governor-of Rivers-State) are the most confusionists in a democracy like ours with their much tongue-in-the-cheek Unity Government. But we know where they are heading to: political oblivion. Because, Dr. Peter Odili, the indomitable ex-Governor of Rivers State wields a lot of influence in and outside of the Rivers State, and this has been Mr. Chibuike Amaechi’s goose pimple.
Let Amaechi form as many opposition alliances as he wants with the deceiving tactics of Princewill bringing about 43 opposition parties under the masqueraded Forum Of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) , he can’t achieve much as a politician if he doesn’t recognize the fact that Odili is a bigger masquerade in the state and with federal influence. In short, many Rivers people see Amaechi as a boy challenging a grandfather like Odili in the state’s political field. Amaechi has no political clout. After saving much money in his sworn-enemy, Odili’s administration, was when Amaechi understood that the money of the state he now controls are for the Rivers people. The Rivers people who are now impoverished in his government while his alloyed aides are over-fed?
Amaechi may be hiding under the guise of Rule of Law to hoodwink the masses, but keen observers knew that if there is any government that is corrupt in the history of the world, it is his. He was a Speaker, Odili made, and had his masters degree overseas. But to reward Odili who made him was to mar him through his Kangaroo Kayode Eso-led reconciliatory panel who on March 10, 2009, submitted its 571-page report to the shenanigan Amaechi-led administration. The panel identified the problems of governance, cultism, chieftaincy and some others as the root causes of the crises in the state? Was it not quite troubling that the next idea after trying to rubbish Odili, was for Eso to say that N250, 000 would be given to militants in exchange for each old gun? But how brainsless the idea was, did the militants not simply used the money to acquire more sophisticated weapons? And were the 15 communities that panel was said to have reconciled? All it achieved was to indict the Odili-led administration for hobnobbing with gang leaders, of which Amaechi was a strong participant.
But this does not surprise many Nigerians because Amaechi represents an English woman, Tracy Davies (40), who on October 2008 remembered that she wanted a baby but pregnancy eluded her. She grew upset, gave her partner, Mark Coghill, what turned out to be a painful kiss, midway into the celebration, when the man was actually celebrating his 45th birthday at Newcastle. Seeing her mood, Coghill reportedly went to comfort her. She asked for a kiss. He obliged. But within a few seconds, she planted her teeth on her man’s tongue. As a prosecutor told a Newcastle Crown Court. The man’s major regret is that he would never enjoy a curry nor distinguish between cheese and toast again.
Mrs. Rubby Obinna, is of Niger Delta Democrats. Email: nigerdeltademocrats@yahoo.com
Monday, February 15, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
MILITANTS BEGIN FRESH ATTACKS IN NIGER DELTA
INSURGENTS of the Niger Delta have started to hit at key economic facilities in the volatile oil and gas region, saying their acts of insurgency will last for a long time in so far the Nigerian state has refused to give the oil-bearing communities socio-economic, political and environmental justice.
But, the renewed attacks by the aggrieved insurgents on the platform of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), is largely not reported by the corporate-driven media. JRC however, comprises of some units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF), and a couple of other groups.
JRC Spokesperson, Bakabio Walter, told our correspondent in an e-mail on Monday that they have been carrying out pockets of attacks on oil facilities to press home their demand for justice.
According to him, the most recent of their attacks was the one at the early hours of Wednesday, February 10, 2010. ''On this day, one of our special commando units attacked and exploded the Tura Manifold belonging to Shell and located opposite Abonnema community in Rivers State''.
The said manifold connects Nembe Creek, Adamama, Belema, Soku Field, Ekulama 1 and Ekulama 2 Flow Stations to the Bonny Export Terminal.
''Our patriotic fighters fought and overpowered the military guards on duty (As all Shell Manifolds are always heavily guarded) before going ahead to explode the Tura Manifold. This is a follow up to an earlier attack on Obunama Creek last weekend'', the insurgent group said, pointing out that the goal is to effectively incapacitate the Bonny Export Terminal and reduce effectively, the export capacity and income of the occupation Nigerian State in readiness for an all out confrontation where they shall be resoundingly defeated.
Continuing, they added, ''in furtherance of our mission to achieve independence, our patriotic force attacked the heavily guarded Chanomi Creek in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, 2010 and overpowered members of the occupation force of the Nigerian State.
''The trunk line which belongs to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and transports crude oil from Escravos to far away Kaduna Refinery was exploded. Also, a gas pipeline connecting to Lagos was bombed in the process. With this, we have successfully cut off the supply of crude oil to Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical and part of the supply of gas to Lagos.
''The actions are continuous and are preparatory to the final war. Every little step we take today brings us closer to freedom.'' ENDS
MILITANTS BEGIN FRESH ATTACKS IN NIGER DELTA
INSURGENTS of the Niger Delta have started to hit at key economic facilities in the volatile oil and gas region, saying their acts of insurgency will last for a long time in so far the Nigerian state has refused to give the oil-bearing communities socio-economic, political and environmental justice.
But, the renewed attacks by the aggrieved insurgents on the platform of the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), is largely not reported by the corporate-driven media. JRC however, comprises of some units of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Reformed Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (R-NDPVF), and a couple of other groups.
JRC Spokesperson, Bakabio Walter, told our correspondent in an e-mail on Monday that they have been carrying out pockets of attacks on oil facilities to press home their demand for justice.
According to him, the most recent of their attacks was the one at the early hours of Wednesday, February 10, 2010. ''On this day, one of our special commando units attacked and exploded the Tura Manifold belonging to Shell and located opposite Abonnema community in Rivers State''.
The said manifold connects Nembe Creek, Adamama, Belema, Soku Field, Ekulama 1 and Ekulama 2 Flow Stations to the Bonny Export Terminal.
''Our patriotic fighters fought and overpowered the military guards on duty (As all Shell Manifolds are always heavily guarded) before going ahead to explode the Tura Manifold. This is a follow up to an earlier attack on Obunama Creek last weekend'', the insurgent group said, pointing out that the goal is to effectively incapacitate the Bonny Export Terminal and reduce effectively, the export capacity and income of the occupation Nigerian State in readiness for an all out confrontation where they shall be resoundingly defeated.
Continuing, they added, ''in furtherance of our mission to achieve independence, our patriotic force attacked the heavily guarded Chanomi Creek in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, 2010 and overpowered members of the occupation force of the Nigerian State.
''The trunk line which belongs to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and transports crude oil from Escravos to far away Kaduna Refinery was exploded. Also, a gas pipeline connecting to Lagos was bombed in the process. With this, we have successfully cut off the supply of crude oil to Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical and part of the supply of gas to Lagos.
''The actions are continuous and are preparatory to the final war. Every little step we take today brings us closer to freedom.'' ENDS
Thursday, February 11, 2010
NIGERIA: WE'RE NOT HAPPY, BY MILITANTS
We note with nostagia the jungle manner in which Dr Goodluck Jonathan was declared the Acting President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian State. Typical of the Nigerian State, they could not uphold their own imposed Constitution. Their own Constitution provides for the Vice President to be sworn in as Acting President when the President transmits a letter to the National Assembly. This has not been complied with anything other than that amounts to illegality. The purported interview granted the British Broadcasting Corporation by the deserter President can never approximated to a former/official letter which ought to be duly endorsed by the writer. The deserting act of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua can only be appropriately categorised as gross misconduct and should naturally have attracted an impeachment. This ought to have been followed by the swearing in of the Vice President as substantive President, not in an acting capacity. As it stands now, Dr Goodluck Jonathan's Acting Presidency is an illegality cleverly crafted by those who feel that Niger Delta is a conquered territory and can only be plundered and looted. They have decided to make him a lame duck ruler as a check on him.
Whatever happens, We shall not allow anything to deter in our resolve to wage a continuous revolutionary war to liberate all parts of our territory - not even a Jonathan Presidency. We are even more convinced more than ever before that a Niger Delta independence through armed struggle is the forward. Before we got to this position, we gave room for dialogue by consistently calling for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference as the only peaceful way of resolving the Niger Delta question, but the operators of the Nigerian State did not accept. Where peaceful change is made impossible, violent change becomes inevitable.
For the records, this current effort is a nationalist one and not the militancy of agents of politicians who claim to be fighting for the development of the Niger Delta as a way of negotiating for juicy positions in Nigerian government. Any claim of attack that does not demand the independence of Niger Delta should be disregarded by all and considered as a distraction from this main course.
We wish to state without eqivocation that JRC is coordinating this campaign as the highest decision making body on tactics and strategies and by implication the Military guide of the Revolution. JRC is comprised of individuals and groups who are fighting for Niger Delta nationhood. Expect more actions in the coming days. He that is down fear no fall!
The Struggle is Unstoppable!
Long Live The Niger Delta Federation!
Bakabio Walter
Spokesman, Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) of Niger Delta
We note with nostagia the jungle manner in which Dr Goodluck Jonathan was declared the Acting President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian State. Typical of the Nigerian State, they could not uphold their own imposed Constitution. Their own Constitution provides for the Vice President to be sworn in as Acting President when the President transmits a letter to the National Assembly. This has not been complied with anything other than that amounts to illegality. The purported interview granted the British Broadcasting Corporation by the deserter President can never approximated to a former/official letter which ought to be duly endorsed by the writer. The deserting act of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua can only be appropriately categorised as gross misconduct and should naturally have attracted an impeachment. This ought to have been followed by the swearing in of the Vice President as substantive President, not in an acting capacity. As it stands now, Dr Goodluck Jonathan's Acting Presidency is an illegality cleverly crafted by those who feel that Niger Delta is a conquered territory and can only be plundered and looted. They have decided to make him a lame duck ruler as a check on him.
Whatever happens, We shall not allow anything to deter in our resolve to wage a continuous revolutionary war to liberate all parts of our territory - not even a Jonathan Presidency. We are even more convinced more than ever before that a Niger Delta independence through armed struggle is the forward. Before we got to this position, we gave room for dialogue by consistently calling for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference as the only peaceful way of resolving the Niger Delta question, but the operators of the Nigerian State did not accept. Where peaceful change is made impossible, violent change becomes inevitable.
For the records, this current effort is a nationalist one and not the militancy of agents of politicians who claim to be fighting for the development of the Niger Delta as a way of negotiating for juicy positions in Nigerian government. Any claim of attack that does not demand the independence of Niger Delta should be disregarded by all and considered as a distraction from this main course.
We wish to state without eqivocation that JRC is coordinating this campaign as the highest decision making body on tactics and strategies and by implication the Military guide of the Revolution. JRC is comprised of individuals and groups who are fighting for Niger Delta nationhood. Expect more actions in the coming days. He that is down fear no fall!
The Struggle is Unstoppable!
Long Live The Niger Delta Federation!
Bakabio Walter
Spokesman, Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) of Niger Delta
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