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Fuel for Thought: Why Nigeria’s Queues Won’t Disappear Anytime Soon

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

As Nigeria grapples with the recurring issue of fuel queues, the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Association of Nigeria, Mr. Festus Osifo, has shed light on the underlying reasons behind this persistent problem. Speaking at the 2024 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, Osifo identified the weak and outdated distribution chains in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry as a major culprit.

A Distribution Chain in Shambles
Osifo’s words paint a stark picture: “Nigeria’s distribution chain is outdated and insufficient to meet the demands of its large population.” With a single point of product importation and reliance on trucks to distribute across the nation, the system is woefully inadequate. This outdated infrastructure is unable to keep pace with the country’s growing needs, leading to queues that seem to appear and disappear without rhyme or reason.

Bad Roads and Flooding: The Perfect Storm
But that’s not all. Osifo also pointed to the sorry state of Nigeria’s roads and the impact of flooding as significant contributors to the scarcity of fuel across filling stations. The combination of these factors creates a perfect storm that leaves motorists stranded and filling stations empty.

Also Read: Rivers, Abia States Confirm Mpox Cases Amidst National Outbreak

APC Stakeholders Call for Removal of Oil and Gas Regulatory Heads Over Sector Mismanagement

A Call to Action: Urgent Reforms Needed
Osifo’s message to the government is clear: urgent reforms are necessary to address these challenges. He advocates for the development and strengthening of the country’s value chain to ensure a more efficient and reliable distribution system. Without these improvements, Nigeria will continue to face recurring fuel shortages, leaving citizens frustrated and the economy hindered.

The High Cost of Production: A Security Burden
Osifo also highlighted the high cost of local production, which is 15% to 20% higher than in other parts of the world. The burden of security in the oil and gas companies is a significant contributor to these costs. Osifo urges the government to take over security responsibilities from investors, which would significantly reduce production costs and make the industry more competitive.

Strengthening Laws and Sanctions: A Necessary Step
Finally, Osifo called for harsher penalties to deter oil theft and encourage integrity within the industry. Stronger laws and sanctions are necessary to prevent bad behaviors and ensure that those who engage in oil theft are held accountable.

NNPC contract Staff dies in Port Harcourt office

By
Editor
-

By Tina Amanda

The family of 23-year-old Asher Christopher is raising concerns about possible foul play in the death of their son at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) office on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Asher, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was a contract staff member at the NNPC Port Harcourt office.

His father, Christopher Dan, expressed shock and frustration in an interview with our Correspondent, revealing that over 24 hours after the incident, he is yet to see his son’s body.

Mr. Dan recounted the events leading up to the discovery of his son’s death and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

“On Tuesday at about 4:15 pm my son called me to say that a colleague of Asher Christopher called him and that he should come to Old GRA Police that the Police needed me, so I asked what happened, and my son said he did not know.

“When i got there, I asked where is Asher, they searched, but they did not see my son’s name on the list at the Police station. I had to ask my Son to call Asher’s colleague again, he called the person to inquire if it was the old GRA Police station or not.

“The Person said I should come to the Surveillance office, upstairs at Old GRA Police station. I waited that Tuesday till 7 pm, and one of the Policewomen told me to come back on Wednesday.

The following day, Mr. Dan, his wife, and others were taken to the NNPC office. He said he was informed that no one knew from which floor his son allegedly fell. Mr. Dan questioned the officials, asking for more details, and requested to see the location where his son supposedly fell. He noted that there were no visible signs of a fall in the area.

“They couldn’t even show me his clothes. When I reached the first floor, I saw his slippers and some clothes. I took pictures of them. But when I asked to see my son’s body, the police wouldn’t allow it.

“The Police took us back and took us to the mortuary. The Police did not allow me to see my son in the mortuary” Mr. Dan lamented.

The family is now demanding justice, questioning how their son’s body could be taken to the mortuary without informing them first.

Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, has called for an in-depth investigation into the incident to uncover what truly happened.

Wiro criticized the company for not reporting the matter to the Central Police Station (CPS), which has jurisdiction over the area, and urged the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to intervene and transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, which handles culpable homicide investigations.

The family and rights groups are now awaiting further action from the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, has confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was reported to the Old GRA Police Division and investigation is ongoing.

Commercial drivers to meet with RSIEC over LG poll

By
Editor
-

By Mark Lenu

Commercial drivers in Rivers State say they will meet with the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebell over the forthcoming LG poll.

RSIEC had fixed October 5 for the conduct of the LG election across the 23 LGAs of the state. However, there are doubts if the All Progressives Congress will participate in the election as the ousted caretaker committee chairman of the party. Tony Okocha had repeatedly said the APC would boycott the election.

According to the Chairman of the Urban Drivers Welfare Association, Lekia Isaac, the planned meeting with RSIEC is aimed at confirming if the safety of commercial drivers is guaranteed.

Isaac said his union would also like to know if the election will be held as scheduled, adding that the political tension in the state as well as the court issues surrounding the state politics threaten the possibility of the election on October 5.

“We will formally write the RSIEC Chairman to have an audience with him because we want to be sure of the following:

  1. Will the election held as scheduled on October 5?
  2. Will my union participate in the transportation of election personnel and materials?
  3. Is the safety of our members guaranteed during the election?

“These are some of the questions we need answers from RSIEC before we will participate in the LG election,” Isaac said.

After the immediate past elected LG chairmen vacated office on June 17 this year, RSIEC conveyed an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting where it announced October 5 for the conduct of the election.

A court of competent jurisdiction had also restrained INEC from releasing the voter register to RSIEC, a document that is paramount to the successful conduct of the forthcoming election.

The lingering political fight between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had also torn the PDP apart, leading to a sharp divide at the state legislative arm of government.

Rivers APC Vows to Boycott October 5 Local Government Elections

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its decision to boycott the October 5, 2024, local government elections. This decision was made known by Tony Okocha, the sacked Caretaker Committee Chairman, during an enlarged APC stakeholder meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Okocha explained that the party’s decision to boycott the elections was due to their exclusion from the stakeholders’ meeting where the decision to hold the elections was made. He stated that the party had gone to court to stop the election processes, insisting that the party was not part of the decision-making process.

It bears mentioning that the meeting, which had in attendance loyalists of Senator Magnus Abe, including Senator Wilson Ake and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wogu Boms, also discussed the party’s grievances with the election processes.

Okocha emphasized that the party’s decision to boycott the elections was not due to a lack of strength or numbers but rather a desire to ensure transparency and fairness in the election processes. He accused the state government of deliberately planning to make the APC worthless and stated that the party would not participate in an election where the results had already been decided.

The APC National Working Committee (NWC) has thrown its weight behind Okocha, who was sacked by the court but remains the chairman of the caretaker committee. The NWC’s support for Okocha has further divided the party in Rivers State, with the camp led by Emeka Bekee opposing Okocha’s leadership.

Also Read: Rivers Governor Fubara Denies Plan to Dump PDP Amid Crisis

PDP Crisis: NWC May Sanction Leadership Over Rivers Crisis

Meanwhile, the APC NWC has dissolved the entire executive of the party in Benue State, inaugurating a seven-man Caretaker Committee to run the party in the state. The decision was made to save the party from total collapse, citing Article 13 of the APC Constitution.

It is worth noting that the development in Rivers State has sparked concerns about the fate of the local government elections, with the APC and PDP, the two major parties in the state, likely to boycott the polls. The state governor, who is believed to be on his way out of the ruling party, has been accused of controlling both parties in the state.

Rivers Assembly Crisis Deepens as Factions Hold Parallel Public Hearings

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a new turn as rival factions held separate public hearings on different bills, further deepening the divisions within the Assembly.

It is worth noting that the faction loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, held a public hearing on the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024 on Tuesday, August 20—the hearing aimed to establish a comprehensive framework for effective emergency management and mitigation in the state.

Deputy Speaker Timothy Orubienimigha emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that it would guide the state in creating robust laws. He assured participants that their input would be considered, saying, “Your contributions are crucial in shaping this bill.”

Stakeholders at the hearing commended the Assembly for the initiative, noting that the bill was timely, especially with the increasing severity of rainfall and associated emergencies.

Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, held a public hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, on Wednesday, August 21. The bill seeks to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law and establish a new framework for electricity supply, generation, transmission, and distribution within the state.

Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Franklin Nwabochi, explained that electric power was previously the exclusive domain of the Federal Government but is now a concurrent responsibility under the 1999 Constitution. He said the bill aims to establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumer rights and obligations, aligning with the new constitutional order.

Also Read: Rivers Governor Fubara Denies Plan to Dump PDP Amid Crisis

Rivers, Abia States Confirm Mpox Cases Amidst National Outbreak

 

Amaewhule emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ input in the law-making process, highlighting the need for a legal framework to guide investment in the power sector, now that it falls under the Concurrent Legislative List.

Commenting on the bill, former Rivers ALGON chairman Allwell Ihunda described it as people-oriented, commending the Assembly for the initiative.

It bears mentioning that the parallel public hearings have further exacerbated the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, raising concerns about the impact on governance and the welfare of Rivers State residents.

NYSC Warns Young Graduates Against Illegal Migration

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned young graduates against the risks of illegal migration, citing concerns over the increasing trend of Nigerian youths seeking opportunities abroad through unauthorized means.

Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. George Mfongang, raised the alarm during a meeting with the Rivers State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Nwamaka Ikediashi, in Port Harcourt.

Mfongang described the rate of migration among graduates as “alarming and worrisome,” emphasizing Nigeria’s potential and the need for youths to contribute to the country’s development.

Ikediashi condemned the activities of fake agencies and agents who deceive young graduates into believing they will secure good jobs and a better life abroad, only to exploit them.

The NYSC and NAPTIP are working towards a strategic partnership to address illegal migration risks and safeguard the interests of young Nigerian graduates. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive information and support to prevent the hazards associated with illegal migration.

Read More:

PHED Denies Allegations of N4.3 Billion Embezzlement Rivers Youths back NDDC Boss

It is worth noting that Mfongang advised Ikediashi to formally submit her request to NYSC Headquarters through NAPTIP Headquarters, ensuring that the initiative could be incorporated into the orientation schedule nationwide.

It bears mentioning that the warning comes as Nigeria grapples with the increasing number of youths migrating out of the country, with over 3.6 million Nigerians migrating to other countries over a two-year period, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Rivers Governor Fubara Denies Plan to Dump PDP Amid Crisis

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has categorically denied speculation that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid the lingering crisis between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara made the declaration while receiving a delegation of the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The governor, who reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, said, “I want to thank the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees. Honestly speaking, if I was having any doubt about my membership of this great party, I think today, I have a reconfirmation that I am still – not minding the drama around – a member of the party.”

Notably, Fubara expressed gratitude for the visit, saying it had erased any doubts about the party’s support for him. He assured the delegation that he would be forthright in their fact-finding mission to aid the resolution of the crisis, stating, “I am very conscious of the importance of information. I know that a lot of information is flying here and there. But, I also know that whatever I have said anywhere, I have still maintained that position.”

Wabara, the PDP BoT Chairman, explained that the delegation visited as the conscience of the party in search of peace and unity. He emphasized that the PDP feared losing Rivers State, which would have severe consequences for Nigeria’s future, saying, “We were scared, Sir when we heard or read speculations, perceptions or what have you, that the party, if we are not careful, might lose Rivers State. Of course, if we lose Rivers State, Nigeria has lost its future.”

Read Also: Fubara Commends Deeper Life Conference, Calls for Positive Social Change

It is worth noting that the delegation, which included PDP founding fathers like Chief Bode George, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, met with Fubara and other elders and leaders of the PDP in the state. Wabara expressed appreciation to Fubara for giving them the opportunity to hear his side of the story and noted with optimism that the political crisis in the state would soon be resolved.

It bears mentioning that the PDP BoT Chairman also disclosed that the delegation would meet with the other party in the crisis to hear their side of the story, saying, “There is always two sides to a coin.”

Rivers State Politics: The Wike-Clark Showdown

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-
The Nigerian political landscape is abuzz with a brewing feud between two stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Clark, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The two political heavyweights are locked in a war of words, with Clark accusing Wike of using his relationship with President Bola Tinubu to intimidate Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
Clark, a former Minister of Information and Niger Delta leader, has vowed to prevent Wike from “destroying” Rivers State. Addressing journalists at his Abuja residence, Clark urged PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagun, to expel Wike from the party to ensure its survival. Clark alleged that Wike, having failed to disrupt the PDP from within, is now colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to achieve his goals.

Wike, however, has fired back, dismissing Clark’s claims as baseless. In an open letter to the PDP national leadership, Wike argued that Governor Fubara should face the crisis head-on, as leadership demands confronting challenges. Wike recalled his own experiences as governor, where he faced Federal Government opposition but never resorted to ethnic blame.

Also Read: 

Rivers Crisis: Pro-Fubara Group Expels Members Over Ties with Wike
The spat between Wike and Clark stems from a long-standing feud between Wike and Governor Fubara, who assumed office shortly after. The two have been locked in a battle for control of Rivers State’s political space and resources. Clark, a staunch supporter of Fubara, has accused Wike of using his influence to undermine the governor.
Wike, on the other hand, maintains that he is being unfairly targeted. He pointed out that Clark had previously opposed his gubernatorial ambitions in 2014, citing ethnic considerations. Wike wonders what he has done wrong, having championed for an Ijaw man to become governor and supporting the southern presidency and power rotation.
As the Wike-Clark showdown intensifies, the PDP finds itself caught in the middle. With Clark urging Wike’s expulsion and Wike denying any wrongdoing, the party must navigate this delicate situation carefully. One thing is certain – the fate of Rivers State’s politics hangs in the balance, as these two political titans clash.

Rivers, Abia States Confirm Mpox Cases Amidst National Outbreak

By
Chamberlain Izidor
-

The Rivers State Government has confirmed two cases of the Mpox viral disease, while Abia State has recorded one incident, amidst a national outbreak of the disease.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, shared this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, stating that the Ministry of Health has put appropriate measures in place to respond to the outbreak. She disclosed that the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is on high alert to respond to any emergency.

According to Oreh, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has noted 39 confirmed cases of Mpox across the country, with Rivers State having two confirmed cases. She described Mpox as a viral disease that can present various symptoms like fever, general weakness, and back pain. She added that some individuals may experience severe symptoms, especially those with compromised immune systems.

It is worth noting that the health commissioner assured that medical teams have been deployed to respond to emergencies at all healthcare levels, including General Hospitals and Specialist Hospitals. She also disclosed that an incident plan for Mpox has been developed, and ad-hoc staff have been engaged and trained to combat the infection.

 

Read Also: PDP Crisis: NWC May Sanction Leadership Over Rivers Crisis

 

Oreh emphasized that the state government is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, saying, “We are galvanizing resources to find all the incident Mpox. We have ad-hoc staff who have been engaged and trained to combat this infection, and they can respond to this infection at all levels of our healthcare pillars.”

In a related development, it bears mentioning that the Abia State Government on Monday confirmed one incident of Mpox, with 13 suspected cases, one positive, nine negative, and three uncertified, with no death recorded yet. Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu made the disclosure.

Fubara Commends Deeper Life Conference, Calls for Positive Social Change

By
Ezinne Okoroafor
-

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the organisers of the six-day Global Men’s Conference hosted by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry for their efforts in driving positive change and promoting social impact.

Fubara’s remarks were delivered by Dr. George Nweke, the Head of Rivers State Civil Service Commission, at the event in Port Harcourt.

Themed “Driving Positive Change and Social Impact,” the conference, organised by Change Makers International (CMI), brought together global participants to discuss the role of men in fostering social progress.

Fubara praised the relevance of the conference theme, describing it as timely in addressing the challenges facing today’s world. He also expressed his gratitude to the organisers for their dedication to facilitating meaningful dialogue.

“The theme of this conference resonates deeply, especially in a world that is continuously evolving and facing challenges that demand collective action,” Fubara said.

“I invite us all to reflect on our roles as men in driving positive change. It is our responsibility to be catalysts for social impact, leading by example in our families, communities, workplaces, and wherever we are.”

The governor emphasized the importance of men taking active roles in promoting progress, citing initiatives such as community service, mentorship, and advocacy for social change.

He noted that when men lead by example, they inspire others and create a ripple effect that can have global consequences.“We have seen how men can lead initiatives that uplift communities, from fighting poverty to enhancing education and health,” Fubara added.

“These examples must be emulated to create a more equitable and tolerant society. Let us embody the spirit of collaboration, not unhealthy competition.”

Fubara urged Nigerians to form partnerships, share ideas, and take concrete steps toward making a lasting impact in their communities and the nation at large. He also encouraged the public to anchor their plans in faith and seek divine guidance in all their endeavours.

We often go to prayer with a preconceived mindset,” Fubara said. “But when God reveals His true intentions, we sometimes resist. We must seek to understand God’s will for us and follow it wholeheartedly.”

The governor concluded by expressing his appreciation to the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his continued dedication to driving positive change. Fubara noted that he had personally benefited from the spiritual and practical insights gained at the conference.

Kumuyi, who is also the convener of the CMI conference, reiterated his commitment to spreading the message of positive change, both in Rivers State and beyond. He encouraged Nigerian leaders to serve as shining examples for their communities, urging them to let their actions reflect values that honor God.

As the conference came to a close, Fubara’s message underscored the critical role men play in shaping a better society, highlighting the need for unity, service, and faith-driven leadership in navigating the challenges of modern life.

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