Hope dims for Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council Member

 

…..Chief Robert Onome abdicated office; cannot claim benefit of suit he battled against- Okpe Leaders

…..Insist Orerokpe High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain case

…….Consider legal suit dead on arrival

…….Urge Okpe people not to allow Okpe Union to be captured for selfish, personal or political purposes

……Say Udogun Okpe not a rubber stamp of an Orodje

Leaders of the Okpe Nation on Monday urged Okpe nationals not to be deterred by the recent events in Okpe Kingdom, but to ensure that the Okpe Union autonomy was protected.

“Being the umbrella membership ethnic organisation of the Okpe Nation which has played several historical roles in the making of the modern Okpe Nation (including the restoration of the Okpe monarchy in 1945), Okpe people cannot afford to allow it to be captured for selfish, personal or political purposes.”

They also implored the Udogun Okpe to be alive to its historical and strategic role of stabilising traditional administration of the Okpe Nation.

“The Okpe people continue to recognise the unique status of the Udogun and its capacity to ensure that Okpe Kingdom is administered within the traditional doctrine of consultative, democratic, and limited monarchy as opposed to despotic systems inherited by some other kingdoms in Nigeria and the African continent. Indeed, Udogun Okpe is a chamber of sober reflections and not a rubber stamp of an Orodje as Okpe people expect her to play a pivotal role of checks and balances on the Orodje's policies.”

In a communiqué from an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union held on 27th October, 2024, on the approach of the High Court, Orerokpe by a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, Okakuro Robert Onome to declare him as President General of the Okpe Union, the leaders urged Okakuro Robert Onome to withdraw his baseless and irrational suit at the Orerokpe High Court.

“The case is res judicata as it has already been decided by a court of competent jurisdiction. A court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal or entertain any facts different from the facts that were laid before the court that had given the judgement. For the sake of emphasis, in paragraph 17&18 of the Affidavit with which the Federal High Court, Lagos gave the Okpe Union Autonomy Judgement on the 19th of January 2023, it was clearly averred that Prof. Igho Natufe was the elected President General whose executive committee instituted the suit. Okakuro Robert Onome is a stranger to that case and can therefore not claim the benefit of a suit that he had battled against, along with the Illegal Interim executive committee. But in any case, the previous tenure which began in November 2016 (with a four-year tenure) was a collective one of the executive committee and not that of one man.”

The leaders described the Orerokpe suit as the height of desperation.
“The Okpe Union National Executive Committee (NEC) is in possession of videos of his accompanying the nullified Illegal Interim executive committee in press conferences and also in possession of the audio recording of the 3rd of October 2020 event in which he abdicated office. For reasons of preserving the integrity of revered institutions, NEC has resolved not to let the latter one out. NEC shall recommend to the next General Assembly of the Okpe Union the expunging of the name of Okakuro Robert Onome from the list of former officials of the Okpe Union where he fails to accede to this advice.”

The communiqué signed by Prof. Igho Natufe, President General, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide) and Mrs. Atarhe Abuh, National Publicity Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide) said it took over a year for the Palace of the Orodje and a group led by Okakuro Joseph Aboze to whom the Illegal Interim EXCO handed over, to finally accept to comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court.

“To further destabilize the Okpe Union, the same group of persons who orchestrated the previous destabilization of the Okpe Union have put together another plot with an approach to the State High Court, Orerokpe requesting the court to interpret the Federal High Court, Lagos Judgement for the Prof. Igho Natufe Executive Committee of the Okpe Union and declare former President General, Okakuro Robert Onome as President General.”

The notable leaders vowed to work with all to make the Okpe Nation great.

“The current National leadership of the Okpe Union pledges to continue working with all to achieve so much more and make the Okpe Nation great again as it occupies its place of pride in the comity of Ethnic Nationalities in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria.”

In the suit filed by Okakuro Robert Onome, (Suit No. HOR/M/2/2024), the Orerokpe High Court is being asked to interpret the Judgment of the Federal High Court which was delivered on the 19th of January 2023 in the suit filed by the Prof. Igho Natufe led National Executive Council of the Okpe Union in May 2022 (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022).

The judgement granted all the reliefs sought which include declaration that the purported dissolution of the elected National Executive Council of Okpe Union by HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe was illegal and of no effect whatsoever, nullification of the Illegal Interim Executive Committee headed by Prof. Emrobome Idolor, and an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Imposed Interim, their privies and all those who derived authority from their actions from acting in any capacity in the Okpe Union.

On the 3rd of October, 2020, for reasons best known to HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe, he invited some leaders of the Okpe Union (under the leadership of Okakuro Robert Onome) to the Orodje's palace where he read out a declaration that he was dissolving the Executive Council of the Okpe Union and imposing his own Interim Executive Committee on the union and banning all members of the then executive committee from getting involved in any leadership position of the Okpe Union for two years.

Of the then membership of the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union, only Okakuro Robert Onome accepted the dissolution declaration by picking up the microphone and pledging his support for the Imposed Interim executive committee.

Having abdicated the office of President General, by the operation of the Okpe Union Constitution, the next in hierarchy, Mr. Patrick Akpotor assumed the office of Acting President General and led the EXCO to complete the tenure after the General Assembly (the highest decision making organ of the union, held on the 14th of November, 2020), set up an Electoral Committee that conducted elections which the Prof. Igho Natufe led EXCO became elected as the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union on the 15th of May, 2021.

As the Illegally imposed Interim Executive Committee were still parading themselves as the National leadership of the Okpe Union, in spite of several attempts by eminent Okpe nationals to mediate and recommend to the palace not to interfere with the administration of the Okpe Union, the elected National Executive Council led by Prof. Igho Natufe was left with no other options but to approach the Federal High Court, Lagos (suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022), in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, Okakuro Robert Onome and some others teamed up with the Illegal Interim EXCO to approach the Corporate Affairs Commission to appoint a Board of Trustees for the Okpe Union as the previous trustees had all passed on. The legitimate NEC led by Prof. Igho Natufe had already commenced the process of regularising the affairs of the union with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) which included the process of appointing trustees with an application to the Federal High Court, Lagos. The Illegal Interim funded heavily by some Palace chiefs got ahead through the backdoor and surreptitiously procured a new Certificate of Registration with a Board of Trustees that included Okakuro Robert Onome. The elected NEC was however steadfast with the judicial redress believing that the wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely.
After nine months, the Federal High Court, Lagos gave judgment/victory to the elected Prof. Igho Natufe led NEC.

To ensure that the Board of Trustees and Certificate procured through the backdoor was not employed to further destabilize the Okpe Union, the court validated Prof. Igho Natufe Executive Committee had to approach the Federal High Court, Abuja (which was earlier used by the Illegal Interim EXCO to legalise their backdoor Board of Trustees/Certificate) so that the same court would vacate the earlier empowering order and nullify the trustees and certificate.

On the 30th of April 2024, the Federal High Court, Abuja gave its Ruling (Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/395) and nullified the Board of Trustees/Certificate and ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to expunge them (including Okakuro Robert Onome) from the records of the Okpe Union with CAC.

PHOTO NEWS: Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar - Executive Director, Technical Services, REA - delivering the vote of thanks at the MOU signing ceremony between the REA and Strategic Partners.

 

PHOTO NEWS: Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar - Executive Director, Technical Services, REA - delivering the vote of thanks at the MOU signing ceremony between the REA and Strategic Partners.

PHOTO NEWS: CEO and Founder of Anfani, Ishaq Bolarinwa, signs an MOU with the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu

CEO and Founder of Anfani, Ishaq Bolarinwa, signs an MOU with the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu

Photo News: Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, and MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, shake hands while proudly displaying the signed MOU

The top management of Nigeria's flagship rural electrification body, the Rural Electrification Agency ( REA ) led by its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Abba Aliyu, ably supported by  the three Executive Directors , Engr Umar Abdullahi Umar, Technical Services, Hon  Engr. Doris Uboh, Rural Electrification Funds & Ayoade Abdulrasaq Adegboyega , Corporate Services, recently signed an MOU with four Federal Government agencies , alongside nineteen Renewable Energy Sources Companies..

The agreement is for the provision of clean , reliable and sustainable solutions.

The photographs , show the highlights of the ceremony

PHOTO NEWS: Comptroller-General Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, and MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, shake hands while proudly displaying the signed MOU

 

 

NAGAFF Partners Customs Area 11 Command Onne on Stress Mgt In Maritime Industry

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) says it is partnering the Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command Onne to mitigate the impact of stress among freight forwarders at Onne, Rivers state.

Disclosing this last week to select journalists during a sensitization campaign tagged stress management in the maritime industry at Onne, Rivers state, the NAGAFF Chapter Chairman Onne, S
eaport, Forwarder Ike Okechukwu Anselem said the pressure his colleagues are passing through in the course of their business on daily basis motivated him to carry out such awareness campaign on stress management in relation to Maritime industry.

He regretted that the Association lost one of its members a month ago, adding that the said member left after his day's work at onne, only to be reported dead during the night "shouting my heart my heart."

He noted that he felt so bad for the loss and decided that his members should take the issue of their health seriously in order to ascertain their wellness.

He reiterated that as an ardent believer in the saying that "Health is wealth", he would do everything within his power as the Chairman to ensure the health and safety of his members.

On how to sustain the programme, he hinted that "today's programme is a pilot one and we intend to continue it and make it more elaborate by inviting psychologists and other medical practitioners."

Continuing, he praised the Onne Customs Command especially the CAC, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede for providing their medical team for the programme even as he urged his members and other freight forwarders to key into the programme to check their blood pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol and other inherent ailments that can cause heavy damage to their body system and nip them in the bud before they can escalate.

The NAGAFF boss who said he was motivated by the founder of NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, NAGAFF National president, High chief Tochukwu Ezisi and his Deputy National President Seaport, Chief Amb Afam Chukwuma insisted that the programme would be widely publicized subsequently to attract the bigwigs in the freight forwarding business.

On her part, the resource person Dr (Mrs.) TR. Omarijvwie, applauded NAGAFF for the Sensitization programme insisting that it was a good idea for the freight forwarders to always go for regular Medical check- up.

Speaking on Stress, she noted that stress has become part of people's daily routine as according to her; even a child has its own stress in form of crowing, standing up, growing among others.

Dr Omarijvwie noted that human beings pass through stress right from birth till they die, saying “The World of Achievement is a world of Stress"

However, she was quick to point out that stress is inevitable but can be managed, adding that stress is a
kind of pressure that comes with life demands, describing it as a state of mental worry or mental pressure which comes in stages.

She said that when stress is not managed, it can affect the vital organs in the body such as kidney, Liver, heart among others even as she advised that people should be content with what they have and not stretch above their limit as such is one of the causes of stress.

She said, stress is caused by daily hassles, trauma, relocation, death of a loved one, financial stress, family matters among others, while she noted some physical indications of stress to include sweating, increased Heart beat, dry mouth, pressure to urinate, anxiety, fear, anger, depression, change in behaviour, such as smoking, excessive drinking or alcoholism and drug abuse.

But, on the strategy to manage stress, Dr Omarijvwie said it has a broad spectrum or technique such as, avoid the stressor, alter the stressor or adapt to it.

She continued by saying that the person can resort to laughter as according to her, laughter is therapeutic and can make the person live longer.

She went further to posit that to manage stress, Maritime industry workers can relax, take deep breath

especially in a clean environment, choose their hobby like playing Lawn tennis, Table Tennis and also decongest their minds and talk to people and be positive.

Other factors according to her to manage stress are, "keep a daily routine, get plenty of sleep while maintaining a good sleeping hygiene, eat healthy, keep healthy relationships, exercise always, limit the time of listening to news and most importantly go for medical check – up."

Hence she said, "Stress management is life management."

Speaking to our correspondent, some of the participants expressed satisfaction with Onne customs Area11, Command and the NAGAFF officials even as they asked that the programme be made a regular one.

High point of the programme was the medical check - up for Sugar level, Blood pressure and cholesterol level for the participants.

 

Written by Bon Peters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

REA Partners with Government Agencies and RESCOs to Accelerate Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transformation Goal

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed a landmark, multi-stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic partners to enhance collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for unserved, underserved, and peri-urban communities across Nigeria.

 

The signing ceremony took place in Abuja, and marks a significant step towards driving innovation and expanding renewable energy solutions in key institutions in Nigeria. With an active history on sector coordination and energy access project implementation in Nigeria, the REA continues to facilitate productive partnerships with other government agencies, development finance institutions as well as the private sector geared towards revolutionizing the energy access landscape.

 

The Agency’s new line of partnerships includes four (4) government agencies: Nigeria Immigration Service; Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF); National Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). As part of these new commitments, the REA signed MoU’s with over 20 Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) who have committed to optimizing their resources to delivering innovative, sustainable, utility-scale renewable energy capacity in line with the objectives of the REA.  

 

The event which brought together key players in the energy sector is targeted at mainstreaming actionable strategies to improve access to finance, private sector investment, innovation and technology optimization as well as strategic partnerships between the public and the private sector.

 

The REA’s approach to renewable energy projects is a data-driven and impact-focused approach

targeted at strengthening the operations of organizations, cutting down on C02 emission, decreasing operational costs, enabling sustainability, while significantly increasing the nation’s clean energy footprint.

 

The Agency’s new growth path as well as its new line-up of futuristic partnerships are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as captured in the nation’s current blueprint for the energy sector; the 2023 Electricity Act, with each organization bringing its unique expertise, resources, and technical assistance to ensure the success of the initiative.

 

While harping on the Federal Government’s new approach to addressing the nation’s electricity challenges, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act, the MD/CEO of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained “the need for strategic coordination between the multiple players across the electricity value chain and a coordinated approach in the delivery of energy access projects.”

 

He added that “the REA has been tasked with the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), which will serve as a pathway for data-driven, sector-specific, integrated electrification plan, hence the need for strategic partnerships with key players across sectors.”

 

Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, while speaking on her technology-driven and innovative approach to border safety and security, expressed her delight about the timeliness of the partnership with the REA. She explained that state-of-the-art technologies, including a top-tier data center, being utilized by the NIS under this administration can only be sustainably powered through clean energy. She explained that “it is an honour to activate the partnership with the REA as such a partnership now enables the NIS to scale its interventions on border management, border governance and migration management.”

 

While sharing her thoughts on rural electrification as it aligns with the mandate of the NIS, the CG explained that sustainable energy infrastructure strengthens engagement with border communities situated in rural areas and solar streetlight technologies provides safety across the communities. This, she said, “will be a game-changer for the NIS.”

 

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammed Sheidu, while commending the REA’s delivery of its mandate, emphasized the centrality of energy in technology use. He added that the NPTF’s partnership with the REA “will have a profound effect on the welfare and the operational readiness of the Nigeria Police as the utilization of renewable energy will not only reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources but will also provide sustainable and reliable power to the police personnel and enhance their capacity to serve and protect “. He reassured that the MoU between the REA and NPTF will serve as “a framework for the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects that will electrify key police facilities, as such projects align with the broader goal of promoting sustainability, energy security and enhanced mobility for the police force.”

 

As the Agency counts down to the flag off of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), a $750m electrification programme under the REA, the Head of the Nigeria Electrification programme (NEP), OlufemiAkinyelure, while speaking on the REA’s central role in the evolution of private sector players in the energy sector from contractors, to developers to Renewable energy Service Companies (RESCOs), explained that “the RESCO is a central pillar of REA’s off-grid electrification efforts, ensuring that unserved, underserved and rural communities benefit from sustainable, affordable, and scalable renewable energy solutions.”

 

Olufemi explained that while the DARES is designed to be an impactful and transformative programme, beyond the grants and budgetary allocations through the REA, “the private sector needs to

be able to catalyze funding, private financing and private investment”. He assured stakeholders of the REA’s readiness to facilitate and implement utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure nationwide.

 

Engr. Doris Udoh, the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) explained that the REA’s scale-up strategy is targeted at alleviating energy poverty both in rural, unserved areas and across key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and security. She emphasized the Agency’s focus on the optimization of renewable energy sources to close the energy gap at a quicker pace. Engr. Udoh added that the REA continues to keep up with technological advancements in the renewable energy sector as the Agency has sustained its strategic approach to sector coordination, investment and project implementation.

 

In line with the REA’s ag-energy strategy, targeted at improving energy access for agricultural productivity, the Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Muhammed Abu explained that the Fund’s partnership with the REA will ensure energy sufficiency to utilize tools such as “solar-powered irrigation systems that allows all-year-round farming, solar-powered planters, threshers and dryers”. He added that “renewable energy has the potential to significantly drive production in terms of quantity and quality of produce as post-harvest losses can be avoided.”

 

As part of the agreement, the partnership will also focus on capacity building, policy support, and creating enabling environments for private sector involvement in energy projects. By expanding access to finance and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the Agency aims to attract greater investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape.

 

About The Rural Electrification Agency

 

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyze economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians. The Agency was established under part IX, Sections 88- 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.

 

The REA is currently implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Solar Power Naija (SPN), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), and Energy for All – Mass Rural Electrification and Research and Innovation Hub. Africa Mini Grids Programme, Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions and the Korean Energy Project.

 

The Agency is responsible for creating an enabling environment for private sector-led projects, which includes conducting feasibility assessments, energy audits, enumeration, data analysis, identification of qualified private sector developers and project stakeholder engagement.

 

 Source: Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

     

 

President Tinubu Must Avert A Sahara Energy War on Ogoni

The unfortunate story of the Ogoni repression has too many instances of avoidable mistakes. The first was the failure of the Nigerian government to take advantage of Ken Saro-Wiwa. The most recent is an attempt to foist Sahara Energy on Ogoni ignoring an express rejection of the company by the communities.

This time, Nigeria could lose the benefits of tremendous efforts we have made in convincing the Ogoni people to accept the idea of resuming oil production in the area.  Nigeria should not turn deaf ears to our rejection of a Nicodemously concocted deal between Sahara Energy and the NNPC which we outrightly rejected following the collapse of our dialogue initiatives. Like the mistake with Saro-Wiwa, rather than opt for a genuine dialogue to reach a compromise with MOSOP,  there are ongoing buying of signatures from the streets in search of some Ogoni endorsement claims.

Unfortunately, the strategy of Sahara Energy and the NNPC isn't different from that of Shell and General Sani Abacha who had the impression that state repression and mass killing of Ogonis will force Shell back to resume oil production in the area.

Sadly, the Ogoni people are today faced with a possible extinction - a crushing economy without employment opportunities, a devastated environment and an increasingly less educated and non-competitive youth population. These are conditions that would have been reversed to set Ogoni on a path of sustainable development had the government acceded to our proposals for peace and development.

Nigeria has rather been more concerned with the prospects for natural resource extraction, seeking the quickest means possible ro that goal and definitely, less concerned about the welfare of the people. The consequences had been a predominantly angry and frustrated Ogoni population that became more resistant to their tactics.

Nigeria's mistakes in the handling of the Ogoni issue especially the resort to kill anyone who speaks the language of Ogoni liberation, a language that has become associated with Ken Saro-Wiwa, have only made things worse, not just for the oppressed Ogoni people but also for the Nigerian state.

In the past three decades, Nigeria has lost at least $452 Billion in oil revenues (excluding revenues from gas sales). The country has remained in a vicious circle, dissipating energy on people thought to have the keys to the Ogoni oil and not making any progress. The current strategy is a continuum of Shell's divide and conquer strategy which sought to use some people against the population in search for an avenue to break the people's will and desire for a better life.

Billions have been expended on public relations (which could be as crude as bribery) without any progress to persuade the Ogoni people to trust the oil industry Rather than accepting MOSOP's peace building initiatives, the oil industry seems to prefer to take advantage of the hunger their policies have inflicted on the people, promoting division with hopes of a conquest.

The implication had been a deadlock. But the reality is that the Ogoni people, though not averse to development and genuine initiatives to resolve the issues, are continually faced with the threats of a desperate and manipulative Nigerian oil industry whose modus operandi is a divide and conquer strategy that deceptively persuade some few individuals to do their bidding.

Driven by desperation, greed and selfishness,  successive attempts of the NNPC to reenter Ogoni have ignored MOSOP's development proposals and chosen paths that only frustrate MOSOP's genuine peace plans for a mutually beneficial compromise that can pave the way for a resolution of all legacy issues. The unholy alliance between Sahara Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is a glaring case in point.

The NNPC/Sahara deal reflects a sad side of how our country treats its own people. The entire contract is lacking in transparency. Why is a Financial and Technical Services Agreement, FTSA, between a dominant party, the NNPC, and a private entity, Sahara Energy, appearing to have roped the NNPC into an unbreakable marriage? What is so particular about Sahara Energy that, even with the people's rejection, the NNPC appears bent on getting them through, a path that obviously will not work with Ogoni.

Sahara Energy has been unable to win the support of the Ogoni masses and never will, yet, the NNPC appears very desperate to stick to this company. Why is it so difficult to discuss a way forward given that Sahara Energy is obviously not acceptable to the Ogoni people? It is indeed very awkward that the interest of Sahara Energy, in this instance, appears to outweigh or supersede that of the NNPC and the Nigerian state.

In 2020, I, as president of MOSOP, filed a petition against Sahara Energy and the NNPC, to president Muhammadu Buhari who ordered an investigation. The former Inspector General of Police investigated the matter and in Sahara's response, they claimed only to be financial partners and not the operator. I demanded they stay away if they are unwilling to enter into an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) that will accommodate the Ogoni interests. The case was rested.

Despite being fully aware of the position of the Ogoni People on the matter,  Sahara Energy has pushed on for an operatorship contract with the NNPC over OML 11 and wants to assume operatorship of the oilfields while actively evading the concerns and demands of the Ogoni people.

It should be very clear that Ogoni rejects Sahara Energy at this time and the resistance against Sahara will be massive at home and overseas. We cannot tolerate an existential threat as posed by Sahara Energy's backdoor moves to snatch away the sacrifices of some 4,000 Ogoni lives lost in the struggle to reclaim our heritage from Shell.

The Ogoni people have a legitimate right to peaceful living and Sahara Energy should not threaten that right.

Decisions that affect indigenous peoples must take the views of the people into consideration. This is a fundamental right in international law and we will expect our government to protect our rights to free, prior and informed consent in decisions that affect our lives.

The protection of our rights is a fundamental demand on our government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we expect Mr President to halt the threat of another GENOCIDE in Ogoni posed by the unholy alliance between the NNPC and their smarthy Sahara Energy.



Fegalo Nsuke is president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). He wrote from Bori, Ogoni, Nigeria

The Abuse of Power: A Lesson from History And Need for Lasting Legacies

Throughout history, the abuse of power has led to devastating consequences, tarnishing the legacies of leaders and causing irreparable harm to individuals and societies. Leaders who abuse their power often forget that their position is transient and can swiftly shift, leading to accountability.

In ancient Greece, tyranny wasn't always viewed negatively. However, as time passed, the term gained a negative connotation, implying a ruler driven by personal gain and power. This concept has evolved over time, with philosophers like Aristotle defining tyranny as a sole ruler exercising power without accountability, often through force and coercion.

History is replete with examples of tyrannical leaders who suffered the inevitable consequences of their abuse of power. Joseph Stalin, Mao, Adolf Hitler, and Pol Pot are stark reminders of the dangers of unchecked power and the devastating impact on society. These leaders, driven by simplistic fantasies and grandiose visions, used charisma and rhetoric to manipulate and control their followers.

The consequences of abuse of power can be severe. Leaders who abuse their authority often face personal consequences, including imprisonment and loss of reputation. Nelson Mandela, for instance, became the first black president of South Africa after spending 27 years in prison, forgiving his captors and working towards national reconciliation. Similarly, Anwar Ibrahim took over as Malaysia's prime minister in 2020, two decades after being imprisoned on trumped-up charges by his former ally.

In Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo's story serves as a powerful reminder. He was convicted by a military dictator and imprisoned but later became president, taking over from the same military junta that had wronged him.

The psychological impact of political abuse is similar to interpersonal abuse, generating complicated relationships between the abuser and victim. Trauma studies demonstrate that even brief exposure to abuse profoundly alters social perceptions and relationships. 

To prevent the recurrence of political victimization, it's crucial to recognize the signs of abuse and resist manipulation. We must employ strategies to maintain complex world views, stay true to our core moral values, and seek multiple sources of information.

Ultimately, the abuse of power is a corrosive force that undermines democracy, destroys lives, and ultimately leads to downfall. As we reflect on history's lessons, let us remember that power is a trust held on behalf of the people, not a personal fiefdom. Leaders must prioritize the greater good, uphold justice, and respect the rights of all individuals.

Therefore, to T leave enduring legacies rather than ugly memories of abuse of power, leaders in a democracy should prioritize serving the people and promoting the greater good. This can be achieved by fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

Embracing Transparency and Accountability

Leaders should be willing to be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This involves being transparent in their decision-making processes, ensuring that information is accessible to the public, and being responsive to citizens' concerns rather than noting down critics as enemies. 

Promoting Inclusivity and Social Justice

Effective leaders recognize the importance of promoting social justice and addressing the needs of the marginalized communities in the society. They should strive to create opportunities for civic engagement, protect individual rights, and address systemic inequalities.

Empowering Future Generations

Investing in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs can have a lasting impact on future generations. Leaders should prioritize initiatives that promote the well-being and development of children and youth rather than pursuit of mondane satisfactions.

Leading by Example

Leaders should demonstrate integrity, ethics, and compassion in their personal and professional lives. By doing so, they set a positive tone for their administration and inspire citizens to do the same. Many who ended up as tyrants started out as saviours and appeared messiac. Examples of such leaders include, Adolf Hitler of Germany, who was initially seen as a saviour from economic crisis and political instability as Hitler's charismatic leadership and promises of national revival captivated Germany. However, he eventually became one of history's most infamous tyrants.

In the same mould was Joseph Stalin of Soviet Union who rose to power as a champion of the working class and a strong leader who could guide the Soviet Union through turmoil. His regime ultimately became notorious for brutal repression, famine, and purges. 

In Africa, we had the likes of Idi Amin of Uganda who initially gained popularity by overthrowing an unpopular government. However, his regime became infamous for brutality, ethnic cleansing, and economic mismanagement. 

Also, Pol Pot of Cambodia promised to create a self-sufficient agrarian society his rule resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2.2 million people, approximately 25% of Cambodia's population. 

In Venezuela, history has it that Hugo Chavez's initial popularity stemmed from his promises to address poverty and inequality. However, his rule became increasingly authoritarian, characterized by media censorship, suppression of opposition, and economic mismanagement. 

Mobutu Sese Seko of the then Zaire and now DRC presented himself as a national hero, overthrowing a corrupt government. His rule became marked by kleptocracy, human rights abuses, and economic decline.

On his part, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, through his liberation movement fought against white minority rule. However, his presidency became characterized by authoritarianism, land seizures, and economic collapse. 

As for Nicolae Ceaușescu of Romania, he initially gained popularity for his independent stance against Soviet influence. His rule descended into cult-like personality worship, repression, and economic stagnation.

These are examples that illustrate how leaders who initially appear as saviours or messiahs gradually became tyrannical, often due to unchecked power, ideological extremism, or personal ambition. The need for leaders to lead by example if they want to leave behind lasting legacies cannot be over emphasized. 

Fostering Collaborative Governance

Building healthy partnerships with civil society organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders can help leaders develop effective solutions to complex problems. This collaborative approach promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.

Honouring the Principles of Democracy

Ultimately, leaders should uphold the basic principles of democracy, respecting the rule of law, protecting individual freedoms, and ensuring that power is distributed equitably. By doing so, they leave a lasting legacy that benefits the country and its people.

Jane Addams, a pioneering social worker and peace activist, exemplified most of the above principles through her work at Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago. Her commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment continues to inspire leaders today. As a leader, how will history remember you? The choice is ours to make while we are still in office before the power we so much cherish shifts. 

*Comrade James Ezema is a journalist, a political strategist, and public affairs analyst. He writes from Abuja

Ogoni Oil and the Sahara Energy's Playbook

Sahara Energy has had a good chance of being accepted as an operator for the Ogoni oil fields. In 2019, when the news first broke out about Sahara's interest and maneuvers to assume the operatorship of the oilfields, IMOSOP made frantic efforts to contact Sahara for a dialogue and was turned down.

 

The mindset suggested that the government had backed the deal between Sahara and the NNPC and any opposition against the deal would likely be crushed with the force of state.

 

MOSOP's eventual rejection of Sahara and their backdoor moves to usurp the benefits of the collective struggles of the Ogoni people were resounding and unequivocal. While we thought the matter had been laid to rest, we were shocked to learn of Sahara's antics to force its way into Ogoni despite the people's opposition.

 

A second opportunity came for Sahara following the development plan approved by MOSOP in September 2020, Sahara, again, had a chance and was offered another opportunity to come to the table for a discussion. As with previous initiatives, the offers fell on deaf ears. 

 

The attitude of Sahara and their disdain for dialogue over the issue compelled the orientation that Sahara may just be another Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, popularly called Shell, may be even worse. A company that thrives on backdoor moves to discuss issues that affect people's lives without any consideration nor respect for the concerns of the people, we reasoned, may just be another road to a worse genocide than we saw with Shell.

 

The Federal House of Representatives captured the fears of the Ogoni people and noted the unpredictability of Sahara Energy in a lawmaker's remark on one of Sahara's playbook:

"The government is involved in an under the ta­ble covert arrangements to auction OML 11 assets to the Sahara Energy Resource Limited for a paltry sum of $250 million as against the $1 billion offered by SPDC Limited"

 

To avert, and eliminate the risk of a Sahara Energy sponsored repression and genocide, the Central Committee of MOSOP met and resolved not to back any deal that hands down the operatorship of OML 11, which covers the Ogoni fields, to Sahara Energy.

 

MOSOP wouldn't mind if the Ogoni region is carved out of the block but we are not receptive to an unpredictable company like Sahara Energy whose attitude towards dialogue is damp and evasive.

 

The Ogoni experience had been extremely harsh and any company which displays any traits of Shell, being very evasive and relying on the powers of state rather than dialogue with the people is, in fact, certainly not likely to enjoy the reception of the Ogoni people.

 

Background of the Problem

 

Sahara Energy and several other companies are today seeking to take over the operatorship of OML 11, which encompasses the Ogoni region,  31 years after Shell's exit from the Ogoni oilfields.

 

The Ogoni region with over 200 oil wells remains the cash cow in OML 11 and untilI we find any contrary statistical data, the Ogoni oilfields are, to the best of my knowledge, the most prolific and profitable fields in Nigeria with a proven production capacity of 500,000 barrels per day. I have personally held that given the permeability of the Ogoni soil, the fields can do well over 1,000,000 barrels daily. Again I await an expert to prove otherwise.

 

Back to our main issue, the Ogoni fields had been operated by Nigeria's biggest oil producer, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (Shell) until 1993 when persistent civil unrest forced Shell to exit the area.

 

In an attempt to shut out the Ogoni protests, Shell, backed by Nigerian security forces clamped down on Ogoni civil rights campaigners and killed some 4,000 Ogonis in cold blood. The Ogoni people, however, sustained the struggle to this day.

 

That is the only reason why oil in Ogoni is today available for grabs. I hold that the Ogoni sacrifices are immeasurable and worth rewarding. No oil company should therefore contemplate neglecting  or shortchanging the interests of the Ogoni people with any political advantage they could have. 

 

An equally incontrovertible fact is that MOSOP led the Ogoni people in the struggle against Shell and won with Shell's exit from the area. Though that victory remains incomplete, as we are yet to see the real benefits come to the people, it remains a remarkable fit. So, what the oil industry is today, clamouring for was not available and wouldn't have been but for the sacrifices and resilience of the Ogoni people led by MOSOP.

 

The position of MOSOP is therefore fundamental in the resolution of the crises. 

 

First, MOSOP is trusted and for every action to be taken regarding the Ogoni oil, the Ogoni public wants the opinion of MOSOP.

 

Secondly, MOSOP has an express mandate, derived from the Ogoni Bill of Rights, OBR, to speak on the issues of Ogoni deprivations and so the voice of MOSOP is the resounding voice of the Ogoni people.

 

In this regard,  MOSOP has consistently maintained its readiness to support initiatives that are peaceful and beneficial for the Ogoni people and the Nigerian state, What MOSOP strongly detests is an attempt to resort to the use of repressive tactics similar to or worse than that of the 1990s.

 

Prospects for a Peaceful Resolution

 

In a show of its commitment to peace and development for Ogoni and our country,  MOSOP has published its development proposals. In simple terms, MOSOP's proposal called for a fair proportion of profits derived from natural resource extraction in Ogoni to be dedicated to Ogoni development. That should not  be too much to ask for a people who sacrificed 4,000 lives to take the oil from Shell. And that sacrifice could not have been made just for some oil company. The people have now become critical stakeholders. 

 

The MOSOP's proposal further spells out the terms of implementation to ensure transparency, accountability and goal attainment.

 

The unholy alliance between Sahara Energy and the NNPC to use backdoor political manoeuvres to force their way into Ogoni is therefore a threat to the peace of Ogoni. One thing MOSOP is strongly committed to is not to allow the peace of Ogoni to be taken away for pecuniary interests.

 

The Sahara Energy's Playbook to snatch away the rights of the Ogoni people to decent living and throw Ogoni back into crises is something we must all be determined to resist and defeat. Period.

 

 

Fegalo Nsuke is President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP. He wrote from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.