Federal High Court Judgement Against Chevron, Itsekiri Communities: Benikrukru Leaders Under Attack

***Group fingers Olu of Warri as brain behind threats

*Accuses Chevron Against Taking Side With Itsekiris, Warns American Oil Company To Obey Court’s Judgement

Leaders of Benikrukru Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State are now facing threats from the various militant groups and individuals from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality following the judgement of the Federal High Court, Warri, which barred the management of the American Oil Conglomerate, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) from paying compensation to some Itsekiri communities in its Abiteye fields located in the coastal axis of Delta State.

Reports available to newsmen showed that Itsekiri militant groups are sending out threats to unleash violence and blow up the nation’s economic assets as well as death threats to notable citizens of Benikrukru community in the aftermath of the judgement delivered against Chevron and hitherto Itsekiri host communities in the Abiteye oil fields on January 31st, this year.

In one of the widely circulated threat messages, a self-acclaimed “General Iwedundun Akpakpa, said,
“It has come to the attention of GEN.
IWEDUNDUN AKPAKPA, leader of the Itsekiri Defense Council (IDC), that there is a
48-hour ultimatum given to all Itsekiris working in the Abiteye flow station to accept that they are ljaws or leave the flow station, the ultimatum also included that all Itsekiris in their God given land of Abiteye should leave the community within 48hours and Deghele and Bateren Community will start paying rent to over a paid purported court judgments in a location in Abiteye.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, had ordered Chevron to “discontinue payment of compensation to Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele communities.”

The judgement was delivered by Hon. Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, as a result of a suit filed by indigenes of Benikrukru community against Chevron, Ode-Itsekiri, and other defendants in the case marked FHC/WR/CS/49/2024.

Plaintiffs in the case, Pa. Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, Elder David Kiriodougha, Captain John Abase, Elder Dogood Ogoloru, and Madam Goldcoast Jimmy, on behalf of Benikrukru Community, had sought a declaration of the court to vacate the Consent Judgment, which was first entered on March 12, 1982, in several suits involving Gulf Oil Company (now Chevron), which had expired.

Listed in the suit were Chevron Nigeria Limited 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 listed as respondents were 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 sought among other things the continued application of a 1982 Consent Judgment which they claimed had expired and is no longer enforceable, which hitherto governed compensation payments for the use of lands belonging to the Benikrukru community in the Gbaramatu Kingdom.”

The court granted the prayers of the plaintiffs.

Apparently frustrated by the outcome of the suit, Itsekiri militias and other aggrieved individuals have threatened to unleash terror on Benikrukru community, its leaders and indigenes.

Specifically, Akpakpa, said, “Let it be known that Abiteye land and all surrounding lands (Deghele and Bateren) belong to the Itsekiris. It was the Itsekiris who leased the Abiteye flow station to Gulf in the 90s; all the documents are there. We, the IDC, will ensure that all Itsekiri land is protected at all times.

“In the coming days, we will cause damages that will not only be felt by the Delta State Government but will also be felt by the federal government of Nigeria. When this happens, both the state and federal governments should hold (name withheld) responsible for the bloodbath and economic losses that this will lead to in Nigeria.”

“No Itsekiri child will be sent out of his land; the illegal community known as Kenyagbene on the soil of Abiteye will be brought down.
Benikrukru will be brought down.
This will be another round of the Okuoama crisis in Warri South West. It will happen. We shall all dance naked,” the faceless Itsekiri militant added.

To this end, fears have gripped Benikrukru and its citizens following the threat by the Itsekiri to unleash mayhem on the areas in protest against the landmark judgement.

Meanwhile, a Niger Delta group, Movement for Peace and Justice in the Niger Delta (MPJND) has fingered the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as sponsor of the threat of violence by Akpakpa and others.

The MPJND, in a statement issued yesterday by its National Coordinator, Okejoto Ezekiel, said the Itsekiri king was the brain behind the planned action by his subjects to cause chaos in reaction to the outcome of the land dispute.

To exonerate himself, the group asked the Olu of Warri to come out clean by publicly condemning the planned actions and call his subjects to order.

Rather than result to violence, the group enjoined the Itsekiri monarch to prevail on his subjects to employ legitimate means to seek redress.

“The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III should be held responsible if his subjects carry out their threats to unleash terror on Benikrukru community and its citizens. We should not forget the bloody Warri crisis in a jiffy. No group has a monopoly of violence. The Itsekiri king should call his people to order so as to clear the doubts that he is the one instigating and encouraging them,” the group added.

In the same vein, the group accused Chevron’s management of apathy towards the judgement.

It accused Chevron of demonstrating lukewarm attitudes in carrying out the orders of the court as contained in the judgement.

MPJND in the statement, further said that top echelons of Chevron were having sympathy for the Itsekiri by alleged refusal to comply with the court order.

The group cautioned Chevron against partisanship, adding that, “Chevron must obey the judgement of the Federal High Court, Warri, ordering it to stop forthwith payment of compensation to Ode-Itsekiri, Deghele and other Itsekiri communities in the Abiteye fields.”

“It’s appalling that the management of Chevron is taking side with the Itsekiri in the legal debacle despite that a court of competent jurisdiction has taken a position by delivering a landmark judgment on the vexatious issue.”

Supreme Court CTC  clears political confusion, tension in Rivers

The much-awaited certified true copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court verdict on the Rivers State political crisis which was released on Thursday has ended all legal disputes among the feuding parties. With the court’s profound findings, any matter pending in court has died a natural death. The court without mincing words defined the status of the 27 lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as authentic, adding that it is the only body that Governor Siminalayi Fubara can do business with.

Until the decision, Fubara was comfortable dealing with the then Victor Oko-Jumbo-led three-man assembly, claiming that the Amaewhule group had defected from the Peoples Democratic (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Even after the Court of Appeal affirmed a Federal High Court order that it was constitutionally wrong of him to deal with only three of the 32-man assembly, Fubara disobeyed the orders. He insisted on having his way, boasting that the “house exists at his pleasure”.

Rather than do as directed by the high and appeal courts in Abuja so that peace can reign in the state, he went to a state high court in Port Harcourt to obtain an order to enable him present the 2025 budget to the Oko-Jumbo group, even after his presentation of the 2024 budget to the same set of lawmakers had been declared illegal. It was an error on his part. The apex court was unsparing in its reprimand of the governor, who it described as a despot that collapsed the government of the state so that he could have his way. Indeed, it was needless for him to have gone to the high court, while pursuing a cross-appeal at the apex court, which pronouncement would swallow whatever the lower court comes up with, no matter how brilliant.

Fubara was only buying time and postponing the day of reckoning which finally came on February 28 . Still he did not see the handwriting on the wall when Amaewhule and co., went to court to stop him from further receiving allocations from the central bank and the accountant-general of the federation as he was not operating a valid budget. The high court decided in the plaintiffs’ favour. The governor went on appeal and won. The appeal court held that it was a constitutional matter on which the high court had no jurisdiction. The Supreme Court disagreed. It restored the high court order. Quoting from the appeal court verdict, the apex court held:

The objective of the high court case is to stop the release of funds to the governor so as to compel him to cause the making of the appropriation law by the Rivers State House of Assembly properly constituted as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution… the Court of Appeal also acknowledged that based on two of its judgments as at today the Amaewhule group who allegedly defected are still legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and empowered to conduct the business of the Rivers State House of Assembly”. It said it was therefore wrong of the appeal court to have declared that the high court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the fund allocation case.

According to the apex court, Fubara’s fear of impeachment led to his cat-and-mouse relationship with the Amaewhule group. Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment, held that the governor started the prevention of the sittings of the assembly as constituted by its members as prescribed by Section 96 of the Constitution. His reliance on Sections 102 and 109 of the Constitution and the Doctrine of Necessity, His Lordship said, “is to continue the brazen subversion of Rivers State House of Assembly, the 1999 Constitution and legitimate government in Rivers State. Having by his own admission engaged in a series of illegal activities just to prevent the other 27 lawmakers from participating in the proceedings of the House to carry out their legitimate legislative duties which they were elected to do, his resort to the aforesaid Sections 102 and 109 and the Doctrine of Necessity on the basis of his allegation that they have defected is a red herring to perpetuate his subversion of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the 1999 Constitution and democratic government in Rivers State”.

The court was not done: “The governor had collapsed the Rivers State House of Assembly. Therefore, no question about any member having lost his seat in that House due to defection can validly arise. There must be a House of Assembly for any constitutional processes therein to take place. The claim that the 27 members are no longer members of the House on the basis of an alleged defection is a continuation of his determination to prevent them from participating in the proceedings of the House. It is an engagement in chicanery. What is clear is that the 27 lawmakers are still valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of the House by the governor in cahoots with the four other members. Sections 102 and 109 cannot be invoked in aid of this unconstitutional enterprise”.

Berating the governor for choosing to collapse the legislature to enable him govern as a despot, the apex court declared: “As it is, there is no government in Rivers State… political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the governor of a state or any person. What he has done is to destroy the government for the fear of being impeached”. With this decision, the case before the Port Harcourt High Court seeking to sack the 27 lawmakers for alleged defection has become mere academic exercise. It is as dead as a dodo.

The Nation

Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick loses FIFA Council seat

Nigeria’s candidate, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has narrowly failed to retain his FIFA Council seat, losing by a single vote at the poll that took place as part of the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday.

The former NFF President scored 28 votes, only one short of both Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti, who each scored 29 votes to make it to the exalted panel.

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa swept 49 votes, with Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida and Niger Republic’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou netting 35 votes each.

Lekjaa, Rida, Hamidou, Yahya and Waberi will join CAF President Patrice Motsepe, unopposed for a second term, as Africa’s representatives at the FIFA Council, alongside Kanizat Ibrahim from the Comoros Island who collected the women’s seat by scoring 30 votes, as against 13 for former FIFA Council and IOC Member Lydia Nsekera and seven for incumbent Isha Johansen.

Andrew Kamanga (Zambia), Yacine Idriss Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire) and Augustin Senghor (Senegal) polled 19, 18 and 13 votes respectively, while Benin Republic’s Mathurin De Chacus withdrew just before the vote.

In the CAF Executive Committee elections, Alfred Randriamanampisoa (Madagascar) withdrew before the vote, leaving Elvis Chetty (Seychelles), Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir (Mauritius) and Feizal Ismael Sidat (Mozambique) to contest for two COSAFA seats. In the event, Sobha Samir and Feizal Sidat were successful.

Unopposed, as the CAF President, were Wallace Karia (CECAFA, Tanzania), Samuel Eto’o (UNIFFAC, Cameroon), Mustapha Ishola Raji (WAFU A, Liberia), Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku (WAFU B, Ghana), Sadhi Walid (UNAF) and Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Female Seat, DR Congo).

FIFA Council Seats: Patrice Motsepe (South Africa); Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco); Hany Abou Rida (Egypt); Djibrilla ‘Pele’ Hima Hamidou (Niger Republic); Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), Souleman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti).Female Seat: Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros).

CAF Exco Seats: Samuel Eto’o (UNIFFAC); Wallace Karia (CECAFA); Sadhi Walid (UNAF); Mustapha Ishola Raji (WAFU A); Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku (WAFU B); Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir and Feizal Ismael Sidat (COSAFA).

Take full Advantage of Owhrode NOUN Study Centre, Oyibode, Urges Udu Residents

The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, High Chief (Hon.) Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP FCIA, has urged residents of Udu to take full advantage of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Owhrode Community Study Center, to further their education and acquire higher qualifications and Certifications.

Chief Oyibode made this appeal on Monday, March 10, 2025, while receiving a delegation from NOUN, Owhrode Community Study Center, at the Council Secretariat in Otor-Udu. The team, led by Mrs. Roseline Omale, the Acting Director of the Study Center, was warmly received by the Chairman and other council executives.

In his remarks, High Chief Oyibode commended NOUN as a reputable and federally recognized institution offering diverse professional courses. He expressed concern that many residents are unaware of the numerous educational opportunities it provides.

“The National Open University of Nigeria is a great institution, but unfortunately, many people do not fully understand its benefits. Education is the foundation of development, and I encourage all Udu residents to prioritize lifelong learning by enrolling in NOUN to acquire more knowledge and qualifications,” he stated.

The Chairman further assured the delegation that his administration would work towards raising awareness about the institution and its advantages, ensuring that more Udu residents seize the opportunity to further their education.

“Education is a continuous journey. I urge everyone, young and old, to embrace NOUN and pursue additional degrees because knowledge is power. My administration will help propagate its benefits to ensure increased enrollment,” he added.

Earlier, Mrs. Roseline Omale, the Acting Director of NOUN, Owhrode Study Center, expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s warm reception. She noted that the delegation visited to congratulate him on his electoral victory and to strengthen ties with his administration.

She lamented that despite the presence of a functional NOUN Study Center in Owhrode, many Udu residents remain unaware of its existence and the unique advantages it offers.

“The National Open University of Nigeria provides flexible and accessible education to millions of Nigerians, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. Unlike traditional universities, NOUN operates a decentralized learning system with study centers across the country, allowing students to learn at their own pace,” Mrs. Omale explained.

She emphasized that NOUN certificates are globally recognized, and the institution supports a ‘work-and-learn’ model, enabling individuals to study while maintaining their jobs.

“Why not take advantage of this opportunity? NOUN is for everyone, including young individuals eager to advance their careers. We are also partnering with professional bodies to offer short-term courses that enhance career growth and specialization,” she added.

Commending the Chairman’s developmental efforts in Udu, Mrs. Omale solicited continued support from the Council and urged residents to enroll in NOUN for quality education.

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of a congratulatory card to High Chief Vincent Oyibode in recognition of his victory in the last election. The meeting concluded with a group photograph session, symbolizing the collaboration between NOUN and the Udu Local Government Council.

NOUN Delegation Present included

Mrs. Oghenevwogaga – Confidential Secretary

Mr. Hastrings Osiobe Igbin – Senior Assistant Registrar

Council Executives in Attendance:

Hon. Mrs. Omovie Najite Oputu Omojevwe – Vice Chairman, Udu Local Government Council

Rt. Hon. Apunu Henry – Leader, Udu Legislative Arm

Mr. Joseph Akpodioete – Head of Personnel Management (HPM), Udu LGC

Hon. Sele Victor – Majority Leader, Udu Legislative Arm

Hon. Engr. Potential Ukonhon Ogheneochuko – Deputy Majority Leader, Udu Legislative Arm

Hon. Joseph Okoro

Hon. Lawrence Oyeye

Evangelist Andrew Dokie – Supervisor for Works, Udu LGC

Hon. Freeborn Shalokpe – Supervisor for Environment, Udu LGC

Comrade Opuama Obruche – Supervisor for Youth, Sports, Community & Women Affairs, Udu LGC

Hon. Evang. Ogolo Emmanuel – Special Adviser to the Udu Council Chairman

Mrs. Eseoghene Benjamin Nee Yarherhe – Supervisor for Agriculture, Udu LGC

HOD Education, Udu LGC, among others.

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.