The ODA is the Justice the Ogoni People Seek

Oil is a curse to the Niger Delta region - this catchphrase used by most commentators on the environmental catastrophe in the Niger Delta region represents a common phenomenon that is prevalent across regions where natural resource extraction take place. It captures the distressing living conditions of the people who are subjected to agonizing conditions for no just cause other than being born in lands that are naturally endowed. This appalling situation leaves the people in perpetual conflict against poverty and exploitation by multinationals.

Ironically, those who control and manage the revenues from oil sales turn out to be those who do not suffer the consequences of the extractive industries. In Nigeria, it turns out that some of them do not know the color of oil because they have never seen an oil spill.

Another very salient reality is that those in whose domain natural resource extraction occur do not really control or manage the decision making process affecting their lives and environment. Late Philip Asiodu, former Nigeria's petroleum minister captured this reality when he said:

"The non-replaceable natural resources of the minorities were being carted away to develop the replaceable resources of the larger ethnic groups in Nigeria. Unfortunately, given the size of the minorities, they cannot threaten the continuous flow of these resources nor can they threaten the  stability of the country"

Asiodu's predictions worked only for as long as the people were either ignorant of their exploitation or lacking the courage to challenge their tormentors. This theory had been faulted in the Ogoni case where civic education triggered a people's self motivated revolution leading to an uprising against a multinational drilling giant, Shell, and actually ousting the multinational from the Ogoni fields. The strategy of sustained poverty within the oil producing regions had become a motivator and turned counterproductive for the oppressors. 

Within 35 years of active oil mining in Ogoni, Shell has exploited discriminatory and unjust Nigerian petroleum laws and taken away an estimated $30 Billion dollars worth of oil without putting anything back to give hope to the Ogoni people. On the flip side, the response of the Ogoni people hasn't been friendly. Shell was forced out of Ogoni with a pledge never to let them back.

This pledge has been kept faithfully in the past 31 years and no oil company has been able to break the resolve of the Ogoni people to protect their lands and environment from further degradation, reckless and irresponsible oil exploration. 

Obviously, the Ogoni people will never be able to accept Shell back in the land. Apart from the environmental devastation, Shell had been responsible for an appalling brutality leading to the killing of some 4,000 Ogonis between 1990 and 1999 and these are frightening behaviors the Ogoni will never want repeated. One way to eliminate that risk of Shell's brutality is to ensure that Shell Petroleum Development Company never returns to active production in Ogoni. 

The Crux of the Matter

In simple terms, the problem had been the decimation of Ogoni's natural resources without consideration for the future of the people. The Ogoni environment has been destroyed, the resources had been carted away to build other parts of the country while the Ogoni people have been left without an economy, no electricity, no water, no roads, no hospitals, no life at all.

The Ogoni people have only been left with the disastrous consequences of natural resource extraction. Nigeria's 36 states share the revenues generated from Ogoni and nothing is left for the Ogoni people. That explains the problem in very simple terms.

The Solution

Again, in very simple terms, the solution is for all parties to accept a compromise that allows the Ogoni people to receive a fair share of their resources to be set aside for Ogoni development.

The desire to address theses terrible living conditions is the driving force behind the call for the operationalization of the Ogoni Development Authority (ODA), a proposal approved by the Central Committee of MOSOP to address the concerns of the Ogoni people and also support the growth of the Nigerian economy.

The ODA is a people based initiative which demands that 25 percent of the resources generated from Ogoni be set aside for Ogoni development.

It does not call for leaders of MOSOP, chiefs or some elites to think that the struggles of the Ogoni people will end in their pockets. It does not demand that chiefs and some few individuals should arrogate the benefits of the Ogoni struggles into their private companies with a false claim that they represent the people.

The ODA is a simple and very clear path to resolve the Ogoni issue. Operationalizing the Ogoni Development Authority gives hope and security for every Ogoni and guarantees the future of the Ogoni people in Nigeria.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) having championed the Ogoni cause pledges to commit to any process that upholds the ideals of the Ogoni Development Authority and will guarantee that it is the way out and permanent solution to the three-decade Ogoni problem.

The ODA is not just a fine opportunity to resolve the Ogoni problem, it is a win-win for all parties and represents the justice the Ogoni people seek.

Fegalo Nsuke is the President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). He wrote from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Nsuke can be reached at nsuke.fegalo@gmail.com

Family rolls out burial activities for Wilson Santa Ebireri

A notable family in the Niger Delta on Monday described the death of business magnate, Wilson Ebireri, as sad and painful.

Santa, as his friends and classmates, called him died early hours of Friday, July 12, just five months short of his 71^st birthday.

The family of Ebireri in a statement Monday morning highlighted the late businessman’s sense of humour, extraordinary intelligence and awesome memory.

“We are already feeling the exit of Wilson Santa Ebireri  but our consolation is that he lived a good life and left many things to gleam from – all for the betterment of the family.”

The statement released in Sapele by Henry Ovie Ebireri underscored late Wilson Ebireri’s hobbies in reading, music, football and movie.

It described Wilson Ebireri as a rare gem, a visionary leader and defender of family values.

The statement urged the younger generation to take a cue from the ideals that Wilson Ebireri lived for- building a united family.

“As a family head, Wilson Santa Ebireri demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess. The good people of Sapele will certainly miss him. We will certainly miss this quiet and unassuming man on so many fronts” the statement said.

“Night of Tributes will take place at Wetland Event Centre, Sapele on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The funeral mass and interment will take place at Ebireri’s Marford Close home on Friday, September 20, 2024.”

Wilson Santa Ebireri left behind his brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, wife, children and grandchildren.

“Entertainment of guests will take place at Okotie-Eboh Grammar School while a special thanksgiving mass will take place on Sunday, September 22 at St John Paul 11 Catholic Church, New Ogorode Road, Sapele” the statement added.

 

 

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor - Edo Elders

Edo elders on Tuesday outlined the priorities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
 
“We need a governor who cares about public education, health and the environment. We need a governor who cares about women, youths and elderly. Senator Monday Okpebholo understands Edo voters’ economic struggles and will work every day to make our state a better place to live. We are going to make sure that he is elected governor. We shall make the APC governorship candidate to succeed. This is the project of the Edo people. God willing, we shall succeed.”
 
They also described Okpebholo as the soul of a new Edo State.
 
“Senator Monday Okpebholo has vowed to serve the good people of Edo State faithfully and diligently. Thus, a vote for APC is a vote for transparency, accountability, due process, prudent management of scarce resources and development.”
 
The elders in a statement shortly after meeting in Benin City urged the electorate to reject political extremism, unremarkable politicians, brutal dictatorship and administrative incompetence.
 
“Senator Monday Okpebholo’s vision is virtually limitless. He will build structures for real, concrete development, translate our hopes to viable reality, fight for honest, transparent government, protect the interest of Edo people, build the infrastructure base of the state, appoint people from the three senatorial zones into key positions, create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish without official policy impediments and protect the wealth of the people in all parts of the state.”
 
The statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Elders Forum (EEF), Chief Efua Abudu accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of failing to improve the state.
 
“Edo State needs a visionary leader, who can think out of the box, come up with solutions that will address the paucity of development in the state. Senator Monday Okpebholo has what it takes in terms of exposure, education and vision to take Edo State to the next level of development.”
 
Okpebholo joined the gubernatorial race to bring in the much-needed investment to develop the state, harness the huge resources, shore up revenue and fill the gap in infrastructure. He is favored to defeat Ighodalo and Akpata.
 
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to building a state where there would be economic buoyancy, a hub of modern development and beehive of business investments and employment generation activities. He will create new jobs, ensure proper training and enabling environment for the civil servants in the state, lead an all-inclusive government, bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, provide developmental initiatives and encourage women by reserving thirty five percent of appointments for them.”

Electricity Market Bill: Rivers House of Assembly Speaker Declares Public Hearing Open

Honourable Martin Chike Amaewhule

The Rivers State House of Assembly through its Committee on Power, Wednesday, conducted a Public Hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024.

 

A statement signed by Martin Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and circulated to news outlets noted that the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, which is “a bill for law to repeal the Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State 1999, and  to enact the Rivers State Market Law to provide for electricity supply, its power generation, transmission and distribution within Rivers State, and to establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission  for the enforcement of consumers’ right and obligation and for connected purposes.”

 

Declaring the public hearing open, Honourable.  Martin Chike Amaewhule said the hearing is a vital aspect of law making, as it provides the platform for stakeholders and members of the public to ventilate their opinions on a Bill such as the Electricity Market.

 

According to him, the bill seeks to improve power supply in the State for businesses to thrive, to encourage companies and individuals to invest in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, emphasizing that since power has been domiciled in the concurrent Legislative List, it is imperative for the State to have a legal framework that will properly guide the State and its people in investing in the power sector for fruitful yields.

 

He reiterated the resolve of the Tenth Rivers State House of Assembly to enact high impact laws that would positively affect the people of the State.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Frankline Nwabochi , while making the opening remarks stated that electric power which involves generation, transmission and distribution was the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government as the function was domiciled in the Exclusive Legislative list of the 1999 Constitution as altered, hence this Bill sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon.  Martin Chike Amaewhule, stressing the Bill is in line with the new order.

 

Commenting on the bill on behalf of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Allwell Ihunda harped on the importance of the Bill, describing it as a people oriented Bill.

 

He expressed the willingness of ALGON to work together with the House to ensure that when the law is enacted its benefits will trickle down to the grass roots.

 

Edo Youths Come Out Hard Against PDP, Reaffirm Support for APC, Okpebholo

 ***List Terrible Condition of the State, Betrayal, Bogus Contracts as PDP Key Achievements

Edo youths on Sunday reaffirmed their unflinching support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo remains an outstanding leader. He will improve the healthcare delivery system, allow the people to decide what types of programmes and policies to implement, channel more resources to poor communities, design appropriate institutional management and control mechanisms to ensure that funds are well spent and transform the state from its current state of economic distress to a more economically viable and prosperous state.”

They also urged eligible voters in the state to reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) candidates in the September 11 governorship election.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will raise the standard of living of Edo people. His agenda is shaped with different goals in mind. First, he wants to protect the lives, property and rights of Edo people. Secondly, he wants to make the government more efficient and better, improve the state’s civil service and build railroads. Thirdly, he has interest in better education, youth development, industry and commerce.”

The highly intelligent and spirited men and women urged Edo people to make Okpebholo’s cause their own.

“Our long nightmare is over. Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of principle, courage and an inspiration to the good people of Edo State. His words are sharp and emphatic. The other candidates lack dynamics, political skill, wisdom and experience.”

In a statement issued by the Youth Alliance for Edo Unity and Progress (YAEUP) in Ekpoma, the youths approved Okpebholo/Idahosa ticket for the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

“What is needed at a time like this are men of honour and integrity who will promote peace, diligence, commitment and selfless service to the state.”

The statement titled Common Sense was signed by YAEUP Director of Mobilization, Dr. Matthew Agbonifo.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo will make life comfortable for the people of Edo State, appoint more youths and women to major posts, bring millions into the state’s social security system, provide funds for medical research, hospitals and urban renewal.”

The statement underscored Okpebholo’s ease of expression, gentlemanly nature and impeccable character.

The youths listed the terrible condition of the state, widespread poverty, neglect of the economic wellbeing of the people, squandering the state’s meagre resources on bogus contracts and stunted growth as key achievements of the current PDP administration in the state.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo is more interested in improving the lot of Edo people. He will put in place a dynamic cabinet, contribute to the growth of an industrial economy, create millions of jobs, build roads, provide good housing for Edo people, help the urban and rural poor and make other internal improvements.”

 

Rivers’ Solidarity Walk: Highlights Commitment to Democracy and Leadership of President Tinubu – Coalition

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Following the recent historic solidarity walk in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family reiterates its unwavering commitment to democracy and strong leadership in Rivers State.

 

Chief Tony C. Okocha, KSC, DSSRS, JP, Deputy Leader of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State, assured attendees that the Coalition will continue to rally support for the President as he implements transformative policies for the nation. “We are dedicated to ensuring that President Tinubu’s vision becomes a reality for all Nigerians,” he stated.

 

"The Coalition stands united in its mission to foster progress and stability in Rivers State and beyond. We call on all citizens to join us in this collective effort to strengthen our democracy and enhance the well-being of our communities."

 

The atmosphere in Port Harcourt was electrifying this past weekend as thousands gathered for a monumental solidarity walk organized by the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family, demonstrating unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

 

The event, which attracted a mammoth crowd, marked a historic moment in Rivers State, showcasing a

vibrant display of colors and unity. Participants, undeterred by the long distance of the 7-kilometer walk, came together in a peaceful and joyous manner, exchanging pleasantries and celebrating their shared commitment to the President’s vision for Nigeria.

 

“Even the blind could see the array of colors,” one supporter noted, as the joyous chants and sounds filled the air. The atmosphere remained serene throughout the event, with supporters standing strong against any negativity from detractors.

 

 The Nigerian flag flew proudly, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the people.

 

The walk commenced at the Polo Club and concluded at the Port Harcourt Club, where key speakers addressed the crowd. Their messages were clear: President Tinubu has taken bold steps in his fourteen months in office, steering Nigeria towards a brighter future. The importance of patience and support for the President was emphasized, reinforcing the sentiment that progress takes time.

 

“This is a time for fervent prayers and collective effort,” stated one speaker. “As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day,’ and we must remember that breaking eggs is necessary to make an omelet.”

 

During the event, speakers emphasized that sore losers from opposing political camps should not attempt to disrupt democracy through insurrection or unwarranted revolutions. The only path forward for them is to respect the democratic process and wait for the 2027 elections, where Nigerians will voice their choices through the ballot.

 

Furthermore, it was made clear that the Honorable Minister E.N. Wike, CON, DSSRS, POS AFRICA, and LIFE BENCHER, is the undisputed leader of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State. Any other individuals or groups claiming to support President Tinubu are merely pretenders.

 

The Coalition also addressed attempts by certain politicians to tarnish the commendable reputation of Minister Wike, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership as the former Governor of Rivers State and currently as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

 

Despite petty attacks, his outstanding achievements, including accolades for infrastructure development, remain unchallenged. Efforts to create divisions between Minister Wike and President Tinubu will not succeed. The Renewed Hope Family condemns the immature tactics of those attempting to sow discord within our ranks, including the baseless narrative of a conflict between Tinubu and Wike for the 2027 elections.

 

Additionally, we denounce the recent unfounded protests calling for the removal of HE Godswill Akpabio, who is wrongly labeled as an enemy of Governor Fubara's administration. The Senate President's commitment to truth and integrity should be applauded, not attacked.

 

Together, the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family stands firm in our support for President Tinubu and

the leadership of Minister Wike. We call on all stakeholders to unite for the progress and prosperity of Rivers State," the group said.

 

The Coalition of Renewed Hope Family expresses gratitude to all participants, media practitioners, and supporters who made this event a resounding success. 

 

"Together, we will continue to champion the vision of a prosperous Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu", the coalition declared.

 

Group restates Okpebholo’s development plans

 A group, Okpebholo Change Movement, has explained why the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has not chosen to run from pillar to post with his work plan for the development of Edo State.

 

“Edo requires a governor with sound vision, dedication and focus, one who will bring his ingenuity to bear in the management of the state’s economic potential and the natural endowments. In Edo State today, there is growing fervor for what Senator Monday Okpebholo stands for. More than ever before, the people of the state have come to recognize the fact that the APC candidate is a huge asset to them.”

 

The group noted that empty vessel makes the greatest noise.

 

“Monday Okpebholo did not come crashing into the political scene. He has cut the image of a well-focused, incisive and inspiring statesman. The APC governorship candidate knows the political terrain and will provide good leadership and turn the fortunes of Edo State around positively.”

 

The group in a statement on Monday in Benin said that if a ruling party had proved its worth before the Edo electorate, it doesn't need to use foul language on opponents or run on empty manifesto before the people could renew the mandate of the party.

 

“It is becoming evident that the people of Edo State, including PDP and LP supporters, have made up their minds to support Senator Monday Okpebholo.”

 

The statement signed by the spokesperson of Okpebholo Change Movement, Dr. Francis Aghahowa   described the so-called PDP manifesto as mission in futility and rehearse of old tunes.

 

“In their campaigns, there is no fascination. Our people have made it clear that things must change, the status quo cannot continue, our state is in danger.”

 

The group expressed regrets about the way the resources in the state were allegedly being frittered away by the government.

 

“Senator Monday Okpebholo is a selfless, caring and compassionate person, who thinks of others first before himself. He will rebuild Edo State, put in place broad-based and inclusive government, pay adequate attention to interests that will assist in the overall development of the state and spread social and infrastructural amenities in Edo State. In making appointment, Okpebholo will take the entire geography of the state into consideration and give the people of Edo State the God intended confidence, economic empowerment and security.”

 

The group vowed to work with all determination, courage, commitment and due respect for the rule of law to ensure the candidate’s victory.

 

“We need to invest more in Okpebholo. We need to give him the chance to ensure effective and gainful farming, steady economic growth, boom in economic activities, the presence of genuine foreign investors and large industrial parks in the state.”

 

The statement listed education, health, security, food production, sports, roads rehabilitation and construction, tourism, salaries and pension as key areas of the next administration.

 

“Senator Monday Okpebholo will encourage the people to invest and own shares in government-oriented projects and businesses.”

 

CNPP Demands Suspension of NNPC Boss, Mele Kyari, and Probe into Subsidy Scam, Substandard Imports, and Refinery Mismanagement

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed outrage over the recent controversies surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), including allegations of subsidy scams, importation of substandard petroleum products, and mismanagement of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP said, “It's time to hold NNPC Limited accountable by immediately suspending Mele Kyari and independently probing the subsidy scam and other allegations in the Nigeria's upstream and downstream oil sectors to save the economy and minimize hunger."

The umbrella of body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria noted that the successive pump price hike from N167 to about N700 per litre of petrol under the guise of endless subsidy removal has not alleviated the nationwide shortage of petrol, causing immense hardship for Nigerians.

"Despite the pump price hike, petrol is still very scarce in the country, making citizens suffer more," CNPP said.

The CNPP accused Mele Kyari's leadership of being marked by controversy and failure, and his inability to address these issues makes him unfit to continue in his role. "Mele Kyari's leadership has been marked by controversy and failure, and his inability to address these issues makes him unfit to continue in his role," CNPP said.

The CNPP also highlighted the allegation of subsidy scam, which it described as "particularly egregious," and the reported statement by Emir Sanusi that "people in NNPC don't want their lucrative subsidy scam to end" as a damning indictment of the company's leadership.

Furthermore, the CNPP expressed concern over the importation of substandard petroleum products, which poses a significant risk to the health and safety of Nigerians, and the NNPC Limited's failure to ensure the quality of these products under its current leadership. "The allegation on the importation of substandard petroleum products in the country poses a significant risk to the health and safety of Nigerians," CNPP said.

The CNPP also criticized the endless rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite the huge sums of money already spent, as another testament to the mismanagement and inefficiency that plagues NNPC Limited. "The endless rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite the huge sums of money already spent, is another testament to the mismanagement and inefficiency that plagues NNPC Limited," CNPP said.

The CNPP emphasized that President Tinubu must act now to ensure that the Nigerian people get the truth and justice they deserve without further suffering and deprivation. "The Nigerian people deserve better, and President Tinubu must act now to ensure that they get it without further suffering and deprivation," CNPP said.

Edo Women Root for Okpebholo

Women in Edo State have opted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as their candidate of choice in the September 21 election.

 

 

“We just have a government in Edo State that can't seem to get the job done.”

 

 

The women said they found Okpebholo to be credible, patriotic, a true democrat and God fearing.

 

 

“We need new, fresh leadership; leadership with big, bold ideas; the kind of leadership that can actually get things done. Senator Monday Okpebholo will turn things around, transfer power from Government House to the hard-working people across the state.”

 

At a gathering of women groups from the 18 local government areas in the state, the women listed a clear track record of the past, accountability, transparency and selflessness in service as reasons for endorsing Okpebholo.

 

 

“The state’s best days are ahead. Senator Monday Okpebholo will move Edo State to the Promised Land.”

 

 

In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Edo Women Progressive Movement (EYPM), Mrs. Odegua Aigbokhan, the women said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had put the development of Edo State on the reverse gear.

 

 

“The current governor prefers hoarding power, often leaving his deputy and cabinet members shorn of any real decision-making ability. Edo State is leading from behind and we're headed toward a disaster. The decision now is to get the current holder of the office and PDP out of Edo Government House and end obscure promises in the state.”

 

 

The women movement, set up primarily to promote peace and development of the state through good governance, said Edo people are sick and tired of the PDP and are yearning for change.

 

 

“At the venue of the Benin meeting, participants openly discussed the issue of the governorship race. The conclusion is that Senator Monday Okpebholo is ahead, and he is ahead in all the local government areas. Akpata and Asue Ighodaro look headed to a defeat.”

 

 

The women underscored Okpebholo’s progressive values, reform, growth and safety.

 

 

They listed public education, security, agriculture, job creation, living wages, health, gender equality, local economy, social security for the aged and infrastructure projects as policy thrust of Okpebholo’s administration.

 

 

“Senator Monday Okpebholo will build the Edo State economy from the ground up in a way that is new and fresh, organic and dynamic.”

 

 

They also listed transportation and workforce development.

 

 

“Okpebholo will put in place a new political order, provide the enabling environment for the desired change in Edo State and ensure that the people enjoy the dividend of democracy.”

 

OMT Onne Again Receives Largest Containership, KOTA CEMPAKA on Second Port Call

A Leading Port Terminal Operator, Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), Onne, Rivers state, has again received KOTA CEMPAKA, the largest container ship ever to carry out full operations at Nigeria’s eastern ports.
This is the second visit of the ship to the terminal in three months.

KOTA CEMPAKA, owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), is 300 metres long, has the capacity to carry 6,600 TEUs of containers.
The ship made its maiden visit to the Onne Port on April 27, 2024, when it loaded and discharged over 2,000 containers full of Nigerian imports and exports.

The vessel was received on its historic second voyage on Monday August 5, 2024 by the officials of Nigerian Ports Authority and Onne Multipurpose Terminal.

“The arrival of such large vessels is part of a global trend where shipping lines are upscaling vessel sizes to achieve economies of scale and reduce transport costs for importers and exporters,” Stewart said.

The Chief Operating Officer of (OMT) Onne, Jim Stewart, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for ensuring that the vessel was able to berth successfully.

Stewart said, the visit of KOTA CEMPAKA to Nigeria would support the efforts of the Federal Government to diversify the country’s economic base by boosting non-oil exports. He said it would also generate more revenues into the coffers of the government.

“Again, we are excited that this very large container ship has been able to return for the second time in three months. This is a mark of confidence in Nigeria, in Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and in the professionalism of the Onne Multipurpose Terminal.

The OMT Chief Operating Officer also commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and the Port Manager of Onne Port Complex, for making the port channels navigable and for equipping the NPA harbours department to handle such large ships.

“We are proud of this milestone. We started operations only three years ago, and we are happy to contribute to reducing vessel waiting times in Onne Port while also doubling container capacity and enhancing competition to the benefit of all customers.
“We are investing in new equipment including more modern cranes to enable us handle even bigger vessels. We have also acquired trucks and lands for expansion,” he added.

Also speaking, Hussein Abdulrahmon, the Port Manager of Onne Port, who represented the Managing Director of NPA at the brief reception for the container ship, said KOTA CEMPAKA brought in more cargoes on the second voyage to the port than it did 8during its first call.
He commended OMT and other stakeholders for the successful berthing, discharging and loading of the vessel.

Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) handles containerized, oil and gas, and other cargo types. It is the

first terminal of call at the Onne Port Complex, located in Onne’s Oil and Gas Free Zone, and is an efficient gateway to Africa’s largest oil production region and Nigeria’s major hinterland markets.

The sprawling Onne Port Complex – one of the world’s largest Oil and Gas Free Zones – robustly serves both onshore and offshore activities, while providing efficient access to oil fields in West Africa and the Sub-Saharan region.

By Bon Peters,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Ending Bad Governance: The Abia Blueprint and the Alex Otti Example

 By Oby Christie  Ndukwe  & Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike Jr

 

Emerging from the remnants of the old Imo State in 1991, Abia State once bore the illustrious moniker of "God's Own State." Yet, the passage of time witnessed a gradual erosion of its splendor, courtesy of a legacy of lackluster governance.

 

Despite a heritage steeped in the legacies recorded by eminent past leaders and distinguished indigenes of Abia State, such as the pioneer premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, inaugural civilian governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Sir Alvan and S.G. Ikoku, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe,  Major-Gen Omar Sanda Ike Nwachukwu,  Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Lt-Gen Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, Maj-Gen Chijioke Kaja, Air Commodore  Samson Emeka Omerua, Commander Amadi Ikwecheghi,  Prof. Joe Irukwu, Prof. Awa Kalu, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, High Chief Nnanna Kalu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr. Paul Agbai  Ogwuma,  Dr. Adolphus Wabara and Sir Marc Wabara,  Ms Arunmma Oteh, Prof. Nnenna Oti, Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, Chioma Ajunwa, Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe and numerous others, who had excelled in different sectors, yet, Abia State found itself grappling with the burden of unfulfilled promises and dreams of it's founding fathers.

 

Envisioned by its founding architects as a bastion of prosperity and progress, Abia State,  languished amidst a landscape of unmet expectations under successive administrations.

 

The erstwhile vibrant Umuahia, the state's capital, stood as a mere shadow of a  capital city, devastated by war and until now, had remained a glorified Local Government, while the bustling commercial hub of Aba teetered on the precipice of decayed infrastructure, hoisting the flag of the dirtiest city of Nigeria. 

 

Palpable disillusionment pervaded the populace, leading many to question the veracity of the federal government's monthly disbursements to the state as well as the huge Internally generated revenue through multiple taxation and levies on the productive and trade sectors. The image of the state became battered even beyond the shores of Nigeria. To be a citizen or resident of Abia State was to be an anathema!

 

The cumulative effect of those years, precisely, 24 years, of negligence in governance,  ineptitude, lack of political will and  crass irresponsibility in driving the political  leadership  led to a systemic failure in providing  modern infrastructure and services and that ushered in the era of kidnapping for ransome epitomised by the then notorious criminal gang led by "Osisi ka Nkwu" who was eventually crushed by the military might under the then Chief of Army Staff,  Lt..Gen. Onyeabor Ihejirika. 

 

Prior to his arrest and death, he had established a culture of kidnapping as a burgeoning venture with other small scale actors alike. The result a period of dark years during the tenure of Gov. T.A. Orji.  It was a season of profiliation of debts despite the efforts of Okonjo-Iweala in helping the state  write off the already accumulated local and foreign debts. 

 

The poor Federal Allocation to the State which is also endowed with Crude Oil was barely enough to pay a bloated Civil Service and service the avaricious thirsts of the political class, no thanks to the indebtedness to almost all the commercial banks in the state, who would deduct monies at source to service the debts of the state.

The entrance of Orji's protege and manfriday, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu further diminished the already bad situation.

 

In a watershed moment in 2023, a coalition comprising the clergy, traditional Rulers, and ordinary citizens convened with a resolute resolve through prayers to vanquish the specter of bad governance that had long haunted Abia State.

 

Galvanized by a collective sense of purpose, they harnessed the power of political engagement to effect transformative change.

 

This was the beginning of the People's journey to ending bad and ineffective leadership in the state. It was a masses movement beyond party lines.

 

In a pivotal electoral decision on March 23, 2023, the people of Abia entrusted their mandate to Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, an experienced banker, a steward renowned for his acumen in organizational leadership and commitment to sustainable development, with a background in financial and human resource management.

 

The triumph of the Abia electorate was underpinned by a series of decisive actions:

 

- Setting aside political, ethnic, and religious divides in pursuit of a common aspiration for progress

- Leveraging peaceful demonstrations and communal supplications to spotlight their grievances on a national stage

- Displaying unwavering perseverance in the face of formidable challenges

- Selecting a leader distinguished by a proven record of principled governance and holistic progress.

 

Today, Abia State stands as a testament to the transformative potency of effective governance.

 

The erstwhile beleaguered Aba now revels in uninterrupted power supply, while Umuahia metamorphoses into a contemporary citadel of governance. Infrastructure projects proliferate, and the state's economic vitality burgeons autonomously, emancipated from a reliance on federal largesse.

 

In less than one year,  Abia State was placed back on the comity of states and the Governor became the face of true leadership while his government became the symbol of good governance.

 

The collective decision of the people of the state including those in the Diaspora, to end bad governance and restore the image of the state was a practical protest that yielded results.

 

It was not surprising that in the recent protests that characterized the push for the end of bad governance which has plagued the nation for decades and causing untold hardship for the masses, the people of Abia preferred to sustain the winning streaks of a Governor chosen by the people.

 

The state has had a good share of bad governance but that ended with the election and inauguration of Alex Otti and his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu.

 

It was a protest through the ballots which was considered the most popular election so far. 

 

While the citizens of Nigeria deserve the right to express their disillusionment with the worsening state of insecurity and food prices amongst others, it is expedient to have a blueprint  such as the case of Abia State. 

 

There should be no room for violence  or the invitation to the Military either to disperse protesters or to take over the reins of power.

 

In a democracy, where there is a will to elect the right people, there could be a change of power and an end to bad governance through the ballots.

 

The end of an era is the beginning of a new one!

 

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The writers, Oby Christie Ndukwe & Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike Jr, are seasoned journalists