ABLAZE Ministers, Church workers conference 2025 : Rev.Dr. Omobude, Bishop Enakirerhi, others , storm Asaba March 11th,12th

The immediate past President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria ( PFN), Rev ( Dr) Felix Omobude , and Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi of the Heroes of Faith Ministries , are among highly anointed men of God expected to minister at the 2025 edition of the ABLAZE Ministers and Church Workers Conference , scheduled to hold in Asaba the Delta State capital on Tuesday 11th ,and Wednesday 12th of March 2025

The Conference , with the theme , “Pressing towards the mark” ( Phil 3 vs 14), is organized by Rev Omobude, General Superintendent of the Gospel Light international Ministries ( GLIM), in collaboration with the Delta State Chapters of the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria ( PFN).

Other Ministers expected to inspire many with their holy spirit filled messages at the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) , Delta State secretariat auditorium located at 77/79 Ambassador Raph Uwechue way , off Okpanam road, Asaba, are Bishop Mon Igbinosa and Apostle Zilly Aggreh .

In view of this, the entire Christendom from across the country and beyond , and indeed the general public , are prayerfully invited to seek God,s intervention in their affairs by attending the two day event which starts by 3pm on Tuesday 11th March 2025, and 9 am and 3pm respectively , on Wednesday 12th March 2025

For enquiries , participants are enjoined to contact 08118957334, or email glimng @ aol .com.

Niger Delta Volunteers commends PINL’s Contributions to growth of Oil, Gas Sector

The Niger Delta Volunteers, NDV, have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, for its outstanding contributions toward the growth of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

According to NDV, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, through its diligent efforts, has continually secured critical oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta, whilst ensuring sustained peace.

At a quarterly press conference, the group explained how PINL initiated policies such as prompt and regular payment of salaries to its workforce, aimed at promoting workers’ welfare.

Whilst noting that the firm has been operating in line with government regulations and international best practices, the Convener of NDV, Comrade Akpobome Francis, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for increasing crude oil production by 800,000 barrels per day in just 18 months, exceeding OPEC targets for the first time in four years.

According to him, the achievement marks the beginning of prosperity for the oil and gas industry in particular and the country at large.

Akpobome said Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has demonstrated prudent management of resources, maintaining stability in the oil and gas sector with minimal resources.

He added that the company has also fostered inclusive oil and gas activities, bringing host communities together and reducing oil bunkering and vandalism.

“Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has emerged as a shining example of corporate excellence in the oil and gas sector.

“The company’s commitment to safety, security, and sustainability has created a benchmark for others to follow.

“By prioritizing the welfare of its workers and host communities, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has demonstrated that responsible business practices can coexist with profitability.

“The company’s innovative approach to pipeline infrastructure development has been a game-changer for the industry.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has significantly reduced the risk of pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“This, in turn, has increased the efficiency and reliability of Nigeria’s oil and gas supply chain. The company’s contributions to the sector have been instrumental in driving economic growth and development.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has consistently demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the community.

“The company’s social investment programs have had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Nigerians, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment,” the statement added.

The Niger Delta Volunteers called on other companies and stakeholders to emulate Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited’s patriotic efforts, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for oil activities and supporting President Tinubu’s leadership.

Onofose added: “As Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited continues to soar to greater heights, it is imperative that the company does not relent in its pursuit of excellence.

“The company must continue to innovate, push boundaries, and prioritize the welfare of its stakeholders.”

Warri: Court Stops Chevron from paying compensation on expired consent judgment, in favour of suit instituted by Benikrukru Community

The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has delivered a landmark judgment in a suit filed by the Benikrukru Community in Warri South-west local government area and others against Chevron Nigeria Limited and other Itsekiri’s defendants.

In the suit number: FHC/WR/CS/49/2024, Pa. Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, Elder David Kiriodougha, Captain John Abase, Elder Dogood Ogoloru, Madam Goldcoast Jimmy, were listed as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th plaintiffs respectively (for themselves and on behalf of the entire members of the Benikrukru community, Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta state) while Chevron Nigeria Limited is listed as 1st, David Mode Akoma, 2nd, Doris Odemi 3rd, Pa. Samson Amaola 4th, Steve Edema 5th, Henry Temisan 6th, defendants respectively (the 2nd-6th defendants are sued for themselves and as representatives of the Ode-Itsekri/Deghele communities of Delta state).

Also, in the suit, Dr. Peter Etchie, Friday Etuwewe, Esimaje Henry, Olori-ebi Lugard Etchie, Isaac Etchie and Sunny Etchie are listed as the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, defendants respectively (the 7th – 12th defendants are sued for themselves and as representatives of the Omateye family of Bateren community of Delta state).

The plaintiffs had sought a declaration that the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, which governed the payment of compensation to the communities for the use of their land, had expired.

They also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Chevron from continuing to assess, determine, and/or pay compensations to the plaintiffs based on the expired Consent Judgment.

In an originating summons dated the 20th day of May, 2024. the Plaintiffs are seeking the determination of the following questions:

1. Whether the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors. vs. Messrs, Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors., has lapsed and become inoperative by reason of the Terms stated therein and the completion of the purpose for which same was entered.

2. Whether, having regard to the clear Terms contained in the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors. vs. Messrs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors., the 1st Defendant is justified in law to continue to assess, determine and/or pay compensations which continue to accrue to the Plaintiffs under Sections 95-99 of the Minerals and Mining Act Cap. M12, LFN 2004 and Sections 11(5) and 20(2) of the Oil Pipelines Act, Cap. 07, LFN 2004 (and/or any other relevant law providing for payment of compensations) for the occupation and/or use of the lands which are the subject matters of the above suits, or allocate benefits provided under Sections 234-257 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (and/or any other relevant Judgment.

3. Whether, having regard to the war that the compensation paid by the 1 Defendant in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors. vs. Messrs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors. was to compensate the Plaintiffs in those suits for its occupation, damage to and destruction of their lands known as Keghan-Gbene, Ogbagbene and Benikrukru Bush (Suit No: W/146/1972), the lands near Abeteye and Abe Olague (Suit No: W/89/1973) and the land known as Abiteye (Suit No: W/130/1972), the application of the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in the said suits, is limited to those lands alone.

After the determination of the questions posed and answered in the affirmative, they seek the following reliefs:

1. A DECLARATION THAT the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & Ors. vs. Messrs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit o: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors, has lapsed and become inoperative by reason of the performance of the Terms stated therein and the completion of the purpose for which same was agreed to and entered as Consent Judgment.

2. A DECLARATION THAT the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors, vs. Messrs, Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors, vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors., having lapsed and become inoperative, the 1 Defendant is no longer justified in law to continue to assess, determine and/or pay compensations which continue to accrue (to the Plaintiffs) under Sections 95-99 of the Minerals and Mining Act Cap. M12, LFN 2004 and Sections 11(5) and 20(2) of the Oil Pipelines Act, Cap. 07, LFN 2004 (and/or any other relevant law providing for payment of compensations) for the occupation and/or use of the Plaintiffs lands, or allocate benefits provided under Sections 234-257 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (and/or any other relevant law in that regard), to the parties in this suit on the basis of the aforesaid Consent Judgment.

A DECLARATION THAT, since the compensation paid by the 1st Defendant in Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors. vs. Messrs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors. was to compensate the Plaintiffs in those suits for its occupation, damage to and destruction of their lands known as Keghan-Gbene, Ogbagbene and Benikrukru Bush (Suit No: W/146/1972), the lands near Abeteye and Abe Olague (Suit No: W/89/1973) and the land known as Abiteye (Suit No: W/130/1972), the application of the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in the said suits, is limited to those lands alone.

4. AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1st Defendant, whether by itself, staff, agents and/or representatives, howsoever described, from continuing to assess, determine and/or pay compensations to the Plaintiffs for the occupation and/or use of the lands which are the subject matters of Suit No: W/146/1972: John Akunujuya Ogio-Okirika & 3 Ors. vs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited & 5 Ors., Suit No: W/89/1973: Chief Pius O. Awani & 4 Ors. vs. Messrs. Gulf Oil Company (Nig.) Limited and Suit No: W/130/1972: Chief Jemigbeyi Fregene & 2 Ors. vs. Chief Pius O. Awani & 3 Ors., or allocate benefits to the Plaintiffs, on the basis of the Consent Judgment dated 12th March, 1982, entered in the said suits.

After listening to argument, counter-arguments, affidavits and counter-affidavits by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Larry Malemi Esq., K.K. Iheme Esq,, (counsel to 2nd- 6th defendants) and counsel to 1st defendant, A.E Oghounu Esq., who urged the court to dismissed the suit in its entirety, the court declared that the Consent Judgment dated March 12, 1982, has lapsed and become inoperative.

In his judgment, Hon. Justice H. A. Nganjiwa held that the Consent Judgment had indeed lapsed and become inoperative

Justice Nganjiwa, also granted the plaintiffs’ request for a perpetual injunction restraining Chevron from continuing to pay compensations based on the expired Consent Judgment

Political Crisis in Rivers: Rivers APC tells Fubara to Resign or be impeached

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has been urged to resign within 48 hours or face impeachment.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gave the order in Port Harcourt on Monday, warning that if the governor refuses to resign, he will be impeached. The party cited several impeachable offenses against him as outlined by the Supreme Court judgment, including running a government with only 12.5 percent of State Assembly members, issues regarding budget presentation, and local government elections.

The state chairman of APC, Tony Okocha, also described the governor’s invitation to the State House of Assembly via a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government as ‘absurd’ and ’embarrassing.’

According to Okocha, the current political situation in the state does not warrant a meeting of ‘connivance,’ as outlined in the governor’s letter to the lawmakers, but strictly business.

He said it is unnecessary to ask the assembly members to come and discuss their sitting venue in the meeting, questioning whether the lawmakers have not been sitting all this while. He added that the budget is not an issue for discussion but an action to be implemented.

The APC chairman stated that the governor is already sitting on a ‘keg of gunpowder,’ asserting that they had warned him, but he rebuffed their advice, claiming he has the ‘red biro.’ “Where is the ‘red biro’ now?” Okocha stated.

Meanwhile, the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly resumed sitting this morning, and The Guardian has learned that some of the key issues on the agenda include declining the governor’s invitation, budget presentation, and questioning members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), among others.

With the current developments, the political crisis rocking Rivers State is far from ending anytime soon.

Fuel pump price increase looms as NNPC stops Naira-for-Crude Deal, Compelling Dangote, Others to Pay in Dollars

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has suspended the naira-for-crude oil swap arrangement, forcing local refiners, including Dangote Refinery, to pay for crude oil in dollars instead of naira.

The naira-for-crude deal, introduced on October 1, 2024, was designed to boost domestic refining, reduce reliance on imports, and ease forex pressures. Its abrupt suspension raises concerns about higher operational costs for Nigerian refiners, potential fuel price hikes, and increased pressure on the naira.

NNPC cited existing forward contracts as the reason for the halt, despite Nigeria’s rising crude output. Analysts warn the move could delay the Dangote Refinery’s full operations and undermine efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum production as well as lead to increase in petroleum pump price.

Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh dispute: Governor Oborevwori’s intervention highly commendable- Chief Ugedi

By: Celestine Ukah

Editor

A Niger Delta community leader and former Special Assistant to the Delta State Government, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his determined intervention in bringing peace to Aladja in Udu LGA and Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South-West LGA over their age-old dispute.

Chief Ugedi, a pioneer student of Aladja Grammar School in Udu LGA, said that before the recent crisis that has rocked Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh, both communities had lived in peace for ages, describing the dispute as a political divide, as they have coexisted side by side for centuries. He noted that they also participated in each other’s festivals as brothers and sisters, even as neighbors, until the misunderstanding that affected their relationship.

He described Governor Oborevwori’s move as a serious determination, full of the wisdom of God, to attract peace to the two important communities in Delta State and Nigeria at large, appealing to the two communities to accept and embrace peace to live as one again, as they used to coexist in time immemorial.

Chief Ugedi, a chieftain of the PDP from Opuama in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North LGA, lauded Rt. Hon. Oborevwori for ordering the construction of a road from Aladja to Ogbe-Ijoh in order to hasten the free flow of movement and goods and services into both areas.

**As he congratulate Mrs. Oborevwori, Olori Atuwatse, and other women

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolayah JP, says women are pillars of community development, driving positive change across the state.

Dr. Agbolayah stated this Saturday, March 8, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, where he urged women to emulate those inspiring and do the same to continue adding value to society.

He congratulated the wife of the Delta State Governor, Her Excellency, Deaconess Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, for her support to women through her pet project extending care to less privileged people and other human capital empowerment support to the people.

Dr. Agbolayah appreciated the wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, for her sustained empowerment and innovations in women’s support across Warri Kingdom, uniquely making a difference in the area, both within and outside the region, to strengthen the women’s gender agenda.

He emphasized that the contributions of women like her Her Excellency, Mrs. Oborevwori, Olori Atuwatse III who have taken significant strides in leadership and community service, serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for younger generations.

The Governor’s aide noted “These remarkable women are not just role models; they are catalysts for change, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers to create better opportunities for all,”

Dr. Agbolayah called for continued collaboration among women in various sectors, urging them to forge alliances that would bolster their collective efforts in advocating for women’s rights and development, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting women in all aspects of their lives, through education, entrepreneurship, health initiatives pointing out that Investing in women is investing in the future.