PIA: Oboroegbeyi Dumps Palace HCDTs, Supports Decentralisation Of HCDTs In Itsekiriland

Former Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Trust (UCT), Augustine Oboroegbeyi, Esq., has opted out of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) put together in the Palace of the Olu of Warri, which he had vigorously supported before now.

However, at a tripartite meeting held in Abuja, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, between Chevron, host communities (Ugborodo Community, Deghele Community, Ugbegugun Community, Olero field Communities, Dibi field Communities) and presided over by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to resolve the lingering issue of non implementation and operationalization of the PIA in Itsekiriland, Oboroegbeyi changed his hitherto loyalty to the Olu’s Palace on the matter and opted for the decentralisation of the HCDTs in Itsekiriland in the overall interest and benefits of the host communities.

It is instructive to note that the issue of decentralisation has been central to the agitations of those opposed to the Palace HCDTs for Chevron and Shell.

Deltans should commend Oborevwori for reducing Delta’s domestic debt by over 93 Billion Naira Says Warri South Chairmanship Aspirant Dr. Agbolaya

By: Celestine Ukah 

A Foremost Chairmanship aspirant for the office of the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya says Deltans should commend the Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his ability to drastically reduce the State domestic debt by over 93 Billion Naira within a short spell of in office.

Amb. Agbolaya said before the Governor took over governance of the state May 29, 2023 the state domestic debt was up before he deployed his prudent capacity in financial management by helping to make the domestic debt decline tremendously within the period under review according to the DMO recent statistics released that praised Delta as the best in domestic debt servicing.

The Warri South front line Chairmanship hopeful Dr. Agbolaya stressed that what Gov. Oborevwori has achieved deserve a lot of commendation as it is unique of him that his administration thinks more of the growth and development of Delta state, adding that going forward if he emerges as the next Chairman of Warri South, critical areas of need shall be addressed in support of the state government effort in tackling infrastructure development across Warri south LGA in order to consolidate on the Gov. Oborevwori foresight administration M O R.O agenda.

According to Dr. Agbolaya the State recorded the highest decline in terms of nominal value, as it dropped by N93.92 billion from N465.4 billion recorded in the previous quarter before the coming of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori making Delta State number one state among the Nine Oil producing States to have the highest in debt decline based on the data analysis by the Debt Management Office DMO, he expressed optimism that the state will experience more advancement in all sectors with Governor Oborevwori.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tidi proffers ways of immortalizing efforts of heroes, heroines

**As legionnaires appeals to Dr Tidi . to provide office for them in  Warri South Council Main Secretariat

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, says the demonstration of the spirit of peaceful co-existence and tolerance, sustenance of the democratic governance as well as embracing dialogue, are very important ways of immortalizing the efforts of heroes and heroines, who paid the supreme price for Nigeria to remain united.

This Newspaper can report that Dr. Tidi, made the suggestion, Monday January 15, at the Warri South Council Main Secretariat in Warri, Delta State, during the grand finale of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

According to the Warri South Local Government Boss, veteran soldiers who laid down their lives while in the service of their fatherland during the first and second world wars, the Nigerian civil war, regional and International Peacekeeping operations in various parts of the world and lately the fight against terrorism, exhibited the highest level of patriotism and loyalty to the country by their supreme sacrifice.

Whilst calling on Nigerians to use the opportunity of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to show heartfelt appreciation to the great sacrifices and indeed altruism of the veteran soldiers, Dr. Tidi, stated: “A crisis situation anywhere and anytime in the world, has never added to human value. It is therefore important for us to sustain the democratic governance which has provided for amicable and organized means of resolving our differences.

“We should embrace dialogue as a means of resolving our differences. Those of us who are living witness to any civil unrest will attest that violence is an evil wind that has blown no society any good. Instead, it leaves a lasting scar of wanton destruction, human waste, increased widowhood and orphans and a period of untold hardship.

“I, therefore call on all persons present to imbibe the spirit of peace through dialogue, consultation and inter-ethnic harmony rather than conflict. We should ensure that the unity of the nation is placed above all other interest, so that our veteran soldiers who died in the course of fighting for the unity of Nigeria may not have done so in vain.

“I wish to seize this opportunity to call on us to contribute generously towards the Appeal Fund. May I reiterate that the purpose of the Appeal Fund is to raise funds for the upkeep of the orphans and widows of the departed soldiers and the surviving but disabled veterans. I assure you that the funds being raised would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for the well-being of the dependents of the fallen heroes and disable soldiers.

“I would like to state that this celebration calls for sober reflection and a high sense of tolerance and sacrifice by all and sundry. Today’s gathering is another opportunity for you to contribute towards this noble course.

Permit me to particularly thank our Royal Fathers for contributing to this fund year after year. I must not fail to mention our church leaders, who have always ensured that prayers and collections are made towards this noble course.”

The Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Warri South Chapter, Major Pius Unurhiere (Rtd.) in his opening remarks, appreciated Dr. Michael Tidi and his team, “for the marvelous work of bringing the ‘Unknown Soldier’ to where it can be recognized (Warri South Council Main Secretariat).”

Major Unurhiere, appealed to the Dr. Tidi administration, to provide an office for the legion at the Warri South Council Main Secretariat, “to make our presence (felt) around the cenotaph.”

Highpoints of the colourful ceremony, were the parade by Legionaries, youth corps members as well as the laying of wreath at the cenotaph, by Dr. Michael Tidi, Major Pius Unurhiere (Rtd.), Security Chiefs, representatives of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Orosuen of Okere -Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Morris Ochuko Eyekpimi, Owhotemu II, the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Warri South Local Government, Mr. Johnson Agbeyegbe and Warri South Council Head of Personnel Management, Mr. Augustine Akaeze.

Crude Oil Theft: Our Boss Lured Crew Into illicit deal, We Have Loaded Some Tonnes Of Crude Before Arrest—- Adeboye confesses

**Those Fighting Private Security Providers Are Criminals, Enemies Of Our Nation— TANTITA

The Captain of the ill-fated ocean-going Vessel, MT Kali impounded over crude oil theft in Bayelsa State, on Thursday David Adeboye, has disclosed that 119 tonnes of crude oil have been siphoned into the vessel before they ran out of luck.

He revealed that 119 tonnes of crude oil have been siphoned into one of the manifolds of the vessel, MT Kali before they were nabbed by the security team.

Adeboye and the engineer attached to the vessel, Promise Eze, were paraded before newsmen, on Sunday.

Our Correspondent reports that selected journalists were at Oporoza, Headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state, on Sunday , on a fact-finding mission where the vessel was anchored.

Our Correspondent further reports that the police were scrutinising relevant documents in the vessel and profiling the crew during the visit.

Findings revealed that the vessel was arrested by a combined team of personnel of a private surveillance security provider, Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), operated by a former militant commander in the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Pennington oil field, belonging to Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC) in Bayelsa state.

The Captain of the Vessel alleged that his boss, whom he refused to name, lured the crew into the illicit deal on the pretense that they were heading for Bayelsa state to load Automative Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel.

According to Adeboye; “When we set out from Lagos, the boat has been in Lagos for more than a year. They were doing some maintenance on it.
So when we came out, we were instructed to test run the engine for like 10 miles and thereafter if we are satisfied that it can go as far as Bayelsa state, then we should proceed
to Bayelsa state to bring AGO (diesel) to Lagos.

“That was the instruction given to us.
So when I got there (Pennington oil field) , I dropped the anchor and spoke with the agent. So, at what point AGO now turned to crude oil, that was what I am still battling with up till now.

“Currently now, we have 119 tonnes of crude inside the vessel.”

He claimed that due to poor network in the areas, he could not contact his boss that the agent was loading crude oil instead of AGO into the vessel.

The Executive Director of TSSL, Captain Warriedi Enisuoh, who was on ground to conduct newsmen round the impounded vessel, disclosed that his company had been on the trail of the vessel over a long time.

According to him, the vessel was notoriously involved in crude oil theft in the country over time, saying that the discovery led to the decision of his organisation to track it.

He rained heavy knocks on those opposed to the inclusion of private security providers in oil pipelines surveillance.

In a veiled response to the outbursts by Bayelsa state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who canvassed that the Nigerian Navy be solely responsible for the security of the nation’s maritime oil and gas assets, Captain Enisuoh described those opposed to the involvement of private security firms in pipelines surveillance as “oil bunkerers.”

While commending the security agencies, especially NSCDC for the synergy with TSSL to end the menace of crude oil theft, Captain Enisuoh said, “We want to seize this opportunity to let Nigerians know that those campaigning against the private security companies in participating in this fight are oil bunkerers.

“Take it from here that I said so. They can continue but we will not relent, we will not resist our efforts towards fighting this.

“We will continue to be resilient and we will definitely assist the country in resolving this. We will assist also the Nigerian security forces, which are happy to participate in securing our assets to do this job.”

NPC Commences Nigeria Demographic Health Survey in Delta

The National Population Commission NPC, says the agency has commenced the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey in Delta State, to develop strategies aimed at improving the health of residents.

The Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the NPC, Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, disclosed this in Asaba, at a press briefing on the inauguration of the scheme in the state.

Mrs Brume-Ataguba, represented by the State Director of the National Population Commission Mr. Patrick Lotobi, said the NDHS survey was aimed at deriving data that would enable evidence-based planning and resource allocation.

Accord to the Federal Commissioner “To collect quality data on a wide range of vital indicators including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness and more.”

The State Coordinator of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey Mr. Jeffery Igbeniaduwa, noted that twenty two, our of the twenty five local government areas in the state have been selected for the survey with forty cluster areas.

He urged residents to cooperate with the NPC enumerators and provide appropriate data to ensure accurate statistics are derived from the survey.

Oshiomhole praises Emami says “you have exhibited vote of confidence on the oil policy of President Tinubu”

Former two – time governor of Edo state and Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, has commended renowned business magnate and politician, Chief Ayirimi Emami for establishing a state – of – the – art gas station in the heart of Warri, saying it exhibits ” vote of confidence on the oil policy of President Bola Tinubu.”
Senator Oshiomhole, gave the plaudits Friday January 12 at the ever busy Warri – Sapele Road, Opposite Warri Main Garage, Warri, before commissioning the newest of the ultra modern gas stations A & E Petrol has in the Oil City of Warri.

According to the former National President of Nigeria Labour Congress and ex – National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, the project is significant because Chief Ayirimi Emami, made the investment after the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said creates level playing ground for all in Nigeria economy.

Senator Oshiomhole, who alongside members of his entourage and Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Vincent Oyibode, earlier undertook facility tour of A & E Tank Farm at Ifie, Warri, described the tank farm as one of the biggest among other players in the industry, saying it takes a lot of courage and foresight to invest in such a place.
He stated that if put to optimum use, A & E Tank Farm, will not only enhance the economy of Delta state, but Nigeria at large.

“This means, President Tinubu has put an end to a regime that if you have a friend in the oil sector, he can turn you to a billionaire overnight without effort, just by connection or political bias, but with the removal of subsidy, you either work hard, sell your products and prosper or you don’t and perish,” he said.

Senator Oshiomhole, praised Chief Emami for investing in Nigeria at a time many young people are leaving the country, describing Chief Emami as “best ambassador in the industrial sub sector.”

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori , who was represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas , Chief Vincent Oyibode, commended Chief Emami for building the gas station, noting that it would create jobs for people in Delta State.

The governor, called on other Deltans to emulate the gesture by investing in Delta State.

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, who addressed newsmen shortly after the facility was inaugurated, lauded Chief Ayirimi Emami for investing in Warri , saying : “ This has been one of the major goals since the inception of my administration in 2018, for well meaning Deltans to invest in Warri. It also shows that the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori is creating the enabling environment for investors in Delta State.”

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&E Group, Chief Ayirimi Emami, in his remarks, commended the courage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the removal of fuel subsidy and appealed to the President to help ease the burden of transporting petroleum products from Escravos to Warri.

“The cost of bringing petroleum products to Lagos and Port – Harcourt is cheaper than that of Warri, because of our channel, once our channel in the Warri – Escravos axis is opened up by the federal government, the cost of petrol will be cheaper in Warri,” he said.
The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in National Assembly, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Mike Odeli, Chief Vincent Okudolor and other Chiefs in Agbarah – Warri, representative of Papa Ayodele Oritsejafor, Reverend Sam Akpoviroro and other prominent personalities, graced the colourful ceremony.

Okpe Leaders Decry Plot To Make Union Administrative Unit Of Okpe Palace

Lament deterioration of law and order in Ugborhen

Celebrate Federal High Court judgement challenging the purported dissolution of Okpe Union NEC by Orodje

Praise Oborevwori, Dafinone, Igbuya, Etanabene, Augoye, Umukoro

The Okpe Union on Monday said that anyone who thought the purported dissolution of the NEC of the Okpẹ Union on October 3, 2020, and the Orodje’s subsequent rejection of the recommendations of several peace missions was in the best interest of the Okpe Nation was ‘’living in a cloud-cuckoo land’’.

‘’ Okpẹ Union has never been at loggerheads with any Okpẹ of Okpe Kingdom, since it championed the restoration of the Modern Okpẹ Monarchy in 1945. The present schism between Okpẹ Union and HRM Orhue l was instigated by the ill-advised purported dissolution of the NEC of the Okpẹ Union on October 3, 2020, and the Orodje’s subsequent rejection of the recommendations of several peace missions’’.

The Union argued that the judiciary was inescapable, and that the organization needed to challenge the purported dissolution of the NEC of the Okpẹ Union by His Royal Majesty, Orhue l, Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom on October 3, 2020, in order to ‘prove to anti-democratic forces that Okpẹ Union is a democratic organization based on the rule of law, and not subject to the autocratic or dictatorial diktat of any authority.

‘’The year, 2023, like any other year in History was an admixture of joy, successes, and disappointments, as we grappled with the challenges of life. On balance, 2023 was a successful year for Okpẹ Nation as it began with a favourable Judgment of the Federal High Court on January 19, 2023, that upheld the autonomy of the Okpẹ Union in our suit challenging the purported dissolution of the NEC of the Okpẹ Union by HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom on October 3, 2020. This judgment was a victory for the entire Okpẹ Nation as it underlined the sanctity of the Okpẹ Union as a democratic organization based on the rule of law, and not subject to the autocratic or dictatorial diktat of any authority’’.

In a New Year Message to Okpe Nation by the President General, Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof. Igho Natufe, the Union said the intent of the purported dissolution was to convert the Okpẹ Union into an administrative unit of the Palace, a position which was stoutly opposed by the democratically elected leadership of the Okpẹ Union.

‘’To acquiesce to this would have been a desecration of the spirits of our Founding Fathers and a bastardization of the Constitution of the Okpẹ Union. This was well buttressed when the leadership of the so-called interim executive installed by the Orodje refused to participate in the peace initiatives, stating that the schism was between the Orodje and the democratically elected leadership of the Okpẹ Union. They recognized their illegal status but were ready and willing to be sycophants instead of speaking truth to power’’.

The Union condemned the disregard of the Federal High Court judgement.

‘’Notwithstanding the victory of January 19, 2023, we waited patiently for the illegal group to dissolve itself in obedience to the judgment of the Federal High Court. The leader of the illegal group, Okakuro Joseph Aboze revealed that his group had decided to “step aside”, but that the Udogun-in-Council advised them to disregard the judgment of the Federal High Court. This decision of the Udogun-in-Council, as transmitted to us by Okakuro Aboze, influenced our resolution to instruct our Counsel to prepare the Form 48 process which was served on the contemnors on December 20, 2023, at Orerokpe. In fact, Form 48 was birthed by the purported dissolution decree of October 3, 2020. We consider Form 48 and possibly Form 49 Process (if the acts of contempt continue) as a just and legal avenue to the restoration of democracy and good governance in Okpẹ Nation’’.

The Union noted that while a group of conscientious citizens, epitomized by the democratically elected Okpẹ Union, tells its monarch the truth that he is naked, the sycophants, “who are stupid or incompetent” fools, represented by the illegal executive established by the Orodje, tell the monarch that he is beautifully well attired, thus encouraging HRM to walk naked in the public.’

‘’While we reiterate our profound reverence for the Okpẹ Throne, we remain resolute in our defense of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpẹ Nation. Okpẹ Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy where a monarch’s pronouncements are considered “final” even when they violate basic democratic norms. We are not in an era of the divine rights of kings. To toe the path of TRUTH is a difficult choice that only a small minority with sound social consciousness can embark on. Those who fail to speak truth to power deceptively enjoy the fumbling of their leaders or monarchs in the public arena’’.

The Union also issued a declaration designed to reaffirm its set goals.

“Since its founding in 1930, the Okpẹ Union has played and continues to play a critical role in the development of the Okpẹ Nation, including the battle for the restoration of the independence of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality in Nigeria. As the mouthpiece of the Okpẹ Nation, be rest assured that Okpẹ Union shall remain steadfast on its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation, which is to struggle for the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality, and not an appendage of any other ethnic nationality’’.

The Union also vowed to intensify strategic collaboration with other Okpẹ organizations, as well as with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria, in the realization of this noble historical imperative.

Particularly, the union praised Delta Central electorate for doing the right thing.

‘’We, once again, celebrate the electoral victory of Okpẹ nationals at various levels during the general elections of February and March 2023. Our strategic advice that Okpẹ voters should not cast their votes in one basket by yielding to the 5/5 slogan of a political party was vindicated by the elections of the following, which produced a 5/5 for the Okpẹ Nation: Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Governor (PDP); Okakuro Ede Dafinone to the Senate (APC); Barrister Ben Etanabene to the House of Representatives (LP); Okakuro James Augoye (PDP), Okpẹ State Constituency, and Okakuro Perkins Umukoro, Sapele State Constituency (PDP), to the Delta State House of Assembly. We also celebrate the appointment of Okakuro Monday Igbuya as the NDDC Board Member Representing Delta State’’.

The Union called for the restoration of good governance and the protection of lives and properties.

‘’We strongly stress that Okpẹ Union places premium on the observance of the rule of law and the promotion of democratic principles in all districts in Okpẹ Nation. Therefore, we are troubled by the deterioration of law and order in Ugborhen and call for the restoration of good governance and the protection of lives and properties’’.

The Union listed robust monitoring policy of the performance of the Delta State Government vis-à-vis the two Local Government Councils in Okpẹ Nation: Okpẹ and Sapele in order to foster economic growth and development in Okpẹ Nation as key activity.

‘’Okpẹ Union is prepared to work with the Delta State Government and the two Local Government Councils of Okpẹland. We shall also launch key initiatives, including encouraging the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons using the Okpẹ language, to enhance the Okpẹ identity and development strategy of Okpẹ Nation. Okpẹ Union shall intensify its collaboration with relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the teaching of the Okpẹ Language in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools of the two Local Government Councils of the Okpẹ Nation which has been approved by the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. NEC shall re-submit Okpẹ Union’s letter requesting the Delta State Government to recognize Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality’’.