Niger Delta
Reluctance to dredge Escravos: Ugborodo Community threathens disruption of IOCs operations
The Ugborodo Community in Warri, Delta State, is threatening to disrupt the operations of international oil companies (IOCs) in their region due to the failure of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to dredge the Escravos Bar Mouth and Warri River.
This failure has hindered larger vessels from accessing Delta Ports, thereby stifling commercial activities in the region.
The community operating under the aegis of Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, signed by Wilson Ejeh and David Mamah, President and Public Relations Officer, respectively, expressed dissafection over the neglect of the Delta Port in Warri by the immediate past and the present administration.
It noted that all its appeals and entreaties to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Gboyega Oyetola,to dredge the Escravos Bar Mouth and Warri River, with a view to allow bigger ships and vessels access Delta Ports and subsequently revitalize commercial activities in Delta and neighbouring states, for the overall benefit of the Nation have been ignored.
The community, has also called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for his neglect of the Delta ports.
The community expressed frustration with the current and past administrations’ failure to address the region’s economic needs, citing the high transportation costs and environmental degradation caused by oil and gas activities.
They pointed out that the situation has led to fuel price hikes for riverine communities and paralyzed local commerce, while oil majors continue to pollute the environment, killing off traditional livelihoods such as fishing.
In their letter, the community demanded that Tinubu take immediate action by replacing the Minister, restructuring the NPA leadership, relocating NNPCL pipelines that are blocking vessels, and initiating the dredging of the river.
The community warned that failure to meet their demands would result in disruptions to oil and gas operations in the area.
This demand is coming following growing discontent in the region, as communities feel sidelined in favor of ports in Lagos while their local infrastructure remains neglected.
The letter reads,
“Your Excellency Sir, all entreaties made to the Minister and heads of parastatals under him, either through written or verbal communication, to make them commit to the dredging of Escravos Bar Mouth/ Warri River, have fell on deaf ears.
“These entreaties, include the recent open letter addressed to Your Excellency,which was widely publicized in various print and online media across the country.
“This I – don’t – care attitude of the Minister, is not only disrespectful to the Ugborodo people, other Itsekiris and our neighbours, but tantamount to economic sabotage and deliberate attempt to project your administration in bad light before Deltans.
“It is vitally important at this juncture to emphasize that vessels that occasionally pass through the Escravos Bar Mouth, are often grounded for more than two weeks, as a result of NNPCL pipelines shallowly laid decades ago, resulting in astronomical increase in transportation and allied costs on the part of the importers.
“This leads to near comatose of the over 20 petrol depots in Delta State and eventually translating into huge financial burden on the consumers, especially riverine dwellers
who are compelled to cough out times two of what urban residents spend to buy diesel, PMS (fuel)and other petroleum products. “Succinctly put, our people in the coastal communities, spend far more money to buy fuel, diesel and cooking gas for domestic use, compared to those in the towns and cities. Even though the bulk of the oil and gas resources are in the riverine communities, we suffer the consequences of increase in petroleum products more, while the pollution of our environment by oil and gas majors, has killed fishing and other forms of whenever the management of Nigerian Ports Authority is called upon to address the situation of vessels going aground at the Escravos Bar Mouth, they are quick to blame it on NNPCL pipelines, while the NNPCL on its part, gives an impression of helplessness.”
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed confidence in its recently inaugurated a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, tasked with resolving political crises in the South-South region.
The committee, chaired by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Chief Obong Victor Attah, was established at PANDEF’s Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt on October 24, 2024.
The new committee includes prominent figures such as former Senate Whip Senator Rowland Owie, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rtd.), and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, who also serves as PANDEF’s newly appointed National Chairman.
The committee is set to mediate lingering conflicts in the region, focusing on fostering unity and sustainable peace among communities.
Dr. Igali expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing that the committee will provide a platform for all voices to be heard. “The mandate of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee is to engage with key stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds within the Niger Delta community,” he said.
The leadership of PANDEF has urged the government, civil society organizations, and community leaders to work collaboratively with the committee to bring lasting peace to the Niger Delta.
In his statement, PANDEF National Spokesman Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini assured that all underlying issues will be addressed, affirming PANDEF’s commitment to fostering unity in the region.
The committee’s first steps are expected to include consultations across states in the South-South geopolitical zone, aiming to set the groundwork for reconciliation and renewed cooperation within the Niger Delta.
The recent dissolution of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) executive by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has stirred debate within the Itsekiri community, with INYC Adviser Comrade Emiko Oghomienor challenging the monarch’s authority to make such a decision.
The Olu of Warri announced the dissolution at his palace, citing the INYC’s alleged failure to adopt a new constitution and conduct elections.
In response, the palace appointed leaders from the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates and the National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) to draft a new INYC constitution, with Chiefs Omolubi Newuwumi and Wilson Olley serving as advisers to the committee.
However, Oghomienor argued that only the INYC’s Board of Trustees has the constitutional power to dissolve the council’s leadership.
He stated that the current executive, led by Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro and Acting President Comrade Godwin Utieyin, is set to serve until December 2024, with established procedures governing any potential dissolution.
“The Olu of Warri is traditionally presented with INYC leadership for royal blessing, but does not oversee its election process,” Oghomienor said, emphasizing that INYC’s creation came from the vision of patriotic Itsekiri leaders independent of the monarchy’s influence.
He affirmed that the current leadership would complete its term, with future elections to follow the council’s existing constitution, allowing for any necessary amendments.
The development highlights differing perspectives within the Itsekiri community on the role of traditional authority in youth organization governance, underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain INYC’s autonomy.
According to the new development,
“In the interim, the Palace has immediately appointed Presidents of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates and National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) as the core of a committee to draft a new constitution for INYC, with Chief Omolubi Newuwumi and Chief Wilson Olley working as Advisers”, the announcement stated.
But reacting through a statement on Tuesday, Oghomienor, maintained that only the Board of Trustees of INYC is statutorily empowered to dissolve the association.
He said :” Even the Board of Trustees of INYC, which is constitutional empowered to dissolve exco of the body, has laid down procedures that must be followed, whenever the necessity arises.
“In this instance, there’s no need to announce dissolution of the current leadership of INYC, led by Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, with Comrade Godwin Utieyin Acting as President. The tenure of the current INYC leadership terminates December 2024, which is barely two months away, one now wonders the bases on which the purported dissolution was announced. ”
“The issue that was on ground for days, was exploring ways to amend the existing constitution of INYC, not drafting a new constitution as being insinuated.
“The Olu of Warri, right from the inception of INYC, is only presented with leadership of the body for royal blessing, not determining the process of electing INYC executive.
“For the records, INYC was birthed as a result critical circumstances, by very mature, patriotic and forward thinking Itsekiris, it’s not a body for children or inexperienced youths.”
Oghomienor, emphasized: “I am not aware of any ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta or other parts of Nigeria, where traditional rulers or institutions, delve into the election of youth executive for ethnic nationalities.
“The current leadership of INYC, will see their tenure through and election of new exco, will be done in – line with the existing constitution of INYC, subject to further amendments.”
***Moves to reconcile Wike, Fubara
At a crucial assembly held in Port Harcourt, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision to abolish the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
In addition, they highlighted the need for urgent investments in regional infrastructure and increased local participation in the oil sector to address the long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta.
The Special General Assembly, hosted by Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, convened government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of youth and women’s organizations.
Focused on the theme, “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” the assembly urged action on several critical issues to boost the region’s economic future.
In a communique signed by PANDEF Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen HE King Alfred Diette-Spiff and HE Obong Victor Attah, the assembly voiced opposition to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs’ dissolution, advocating for either its reinstatement or the creation of a South-South Commission dedicated to the region’s needs.
The statement noted, “The Ministry was established to address specific issues related to the Niger Delta’s unique environmental challenges and economic importance. The decision to dissolve it lacked consultation with critical stakeholders and fails to consider the circumstances that led to its creation.”
PANDEF also emphasized the urgency of resolving conflicts among regional leaders.
To this end, they announced the establishment of a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Obong Victor Attah, to mediate disputes, including the ongoing rift between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This committee aims to foster stability and cooperation within the Niger Delta.
The assembly raised concerns over neglected infrastructure, particularly the East-West Road, and urged the federal government to prioritize critical projects like the Calabar-Lagos railway to support economic growth in oil-producing states.
Another key point was the need for policies that ensure greater local participation in the oil and gas sector, a vital industry located within the region but often excluding local investors.
In line with sustainable economic goals, PANDEF expressed optimism about the newly established African Energy Bank, which could provide financial support for local projects in green and sustainable energy.
To further economic growth, PANDEF recommended that Niger Delta states allocate 20% of their budgets to industrialization and agriculture and 25% to education.
They advocated for industrial parks and agricultural development, particularly in fisheries and food processing.
The assembly concluded with the inauguration of a new PANDEF National Executive Committee, led by Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali as National Chairman.
This leadership is charged with advancing PANDEF’s mission for equitable economic development and advocating for a prosperous future for the Niger Delta through peaceful engagement with federal and state governments.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu