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PHED Denies Allegations of N4.3 Billion Embezzlement

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has vehemently denied allegations of N4.3 billion misappropriation involving its Managing Director, Ochuko Amah, and other directors. The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, described the claims as fabrications by mischief makers, urging the public to ignore the misleading information.

The allegations, which surfaced on a nameless blog, accused Amah, Governing Board Chairman Olice Kemenenabo, Chief Financial Officer Efemena Elutabe, and Matthew Edevbie of embezzling funds. However, Ilevbare stated that the claims were sponsored by disgruntled elements bent on tarnishing the company’s image.

PHED would have ordinarily not responded to the ‘baseless’ claims but felt compelled to clarify the situation to counter the misinformation. Ilevbare highlighted the company’s growth under Amah’s leadership, including a doubling of revenue and a reduction in aggregate technical, commercial, and collection losses.

Since Amah’s appointment as Managing Director on March 8, the company has achieved significant milestones, including a boost in revenue collection efficiency from 68% to 85% in just four months. The company’s Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses have also crashed from 43% to 28%, a feat never achieved in the company’s history.

It is worth noting that Ilevbare questioned the motivations behind the targeting of the Managing Director, emphasizing that Amah remains focused on achieving her five-point agenda to enhance staff welfare package, promote participatory leadership, enhance stakeholders’ satisfaction, boost revenue, reduce losses, and reward outstanding employee performance.


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NYCOP appeals to Ogoni Youths not to shutdown oil pipelines


 

It bears mentioning that the company also clarified that the August 12 picketing of PHED offices over staff welfare issues had been resolved following discussions with relevant labor unions. Resolutions agreed at the meeting include the payment of cost-of-living adjustment and a review of the conditions of service.

Lastly, Ilevbare assured the public that PHED is focused on serving customers better and urged them to disregard the campaign of calumny. The company remains committed to its mission of providing reliable and efficient electricity distribution services to its customers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River states.

PDP Crisis: NWC May Sanction Leadership Over Rivers Crisis

Indications emerged yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) may sanction the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over an alleged correspondence to the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt division, regarding the Rivers State political crisis.

According to sources, some PDP members, including National Executive Committee (NEC) members, are pushing for sanctions against Damagum and Anyanwu for allegedly writing a letter to the Court of Appeal, asking it to disregard a letter from the PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, announcing the withdrawal of the opposition party in a suit involving 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last December.

The letter, dated August 15, 2024, has gone viral and is seen as an anti-party activity, pitting Governor Siminalayi Fubara against his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The 17-member NWC is currently divided into pro-Fubara and pro-Wike camps.

Damagum and Anyanwu’s alleged letter has sparked outrage among party leaders, with many demanding their resignation or sanction under Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP constitution, which borders on discipline for anti-party activities.

The issue is expected to be discussed at the PDP NEC meeting tomorrow in Abuja, where the fate of the duo will be decided. A member of the PDP NEC, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the issue as embarrassing and confirmed that party leaders are consulting over the matter.

Notably, repeated efforts to speak with Damagum were unsuccessful, while Anyanwu declined to comment on the issue. The development has further deepened the crisis within the PDP, with many members calling for decisive action to address the situation.


Read Also: Court of Appeal Overturns Ban on PDP Chieftains, Upholds Party’s Autonomy


It is worth noting that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had earlier overturned the ban on three prominent chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from attending the party’s National Executive Committee meetings. The decision nullified the orders of the Federal High Court, which had barred former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara from participating in the meetings.

It bears mentioning that the court’s decision upheld the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, ruling that the trial court had overstepped its bounds by interfering in the PDP’s decision on who attends its meetings. The court held that the decision on attendance is an internal matter for the party, and not for the court to decide.

As the PDP moves forward, it remains to be seen how much drama is left to be unfurled.

Nigerian Navy Uncovers Massive Illegal Refining Site in Rivers State, NNPC Declares N3.297 trn Profit

The Nigerian Navy has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against oil theft and illegal refining activities in the country. On Tuesday, the Navy announced the discovery of a massive illegal refining site in Rivers State, capable of producing two million liters of petroleum products daily.

The site, located around Ogoloma River in Bakana, Degema local government area, was uncovered after a sustained intelligence and surveillance effort by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder. The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, led journalists on a tour of the site, revealing the extent of the illegal activities.

According to Aniaku, the site is one of the largest illegal refining facilities discovered in recent times, with the capacity to produce large quantities of petroleum products. He noted that the Navy’s operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to clear all illegal crude oil refining sites within their areas of responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion for the 2023 financial year, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) compared to the previous year. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Umar Ajiya, attributed the impressive performance to strategic foresight and operational resilience.

It bears mentioning that the CFO noted that the NNPC Limited’s fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and resilience, despite challenges in the operational and economic environment. He added that the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in the release of its Audited Financial Statement (AFS) for 2023.

In another development, the Federal Government has announced that sales of crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries will commence on October 1, 2024, in naira. The move is aimed at ensuring the stability of the pump price of refined fuel and the dollar-naira exchange rate.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made the announcement during a meeting with the Implementation Committee on Monday in Abuja. The meeting reviewed progress on key initiatives, including the upcoming commencement of naira payments for crude oil sales to the Dangote Refinery starting October 1, 2024.

The NNPC Limited has also announced plans to target 2 million barrels per day of crude oil production by the end of the year. The company’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, noted that improvements witnessed in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have positioned the company to achieve this target.


Also Read: NYCOP Appeals to Ogoni Youths not to shutdown oil pipelines


 

Notably, the Nigerian Navy has warned that it will not rest until all illegal refining sites are destroyed and urged oil thieves to desist from their activities. The Navy’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and illegal refining activities is evident in its sustained efforts to uncover and destroy illegal refining sites across the country.

It is worth noting that the NNPC Limited’s impressive financial performance and the Federal Government’s move to commence sales of crude oil to local refineries in naira are seen as positive developments in the country’s oil and gas sector. However, the fight against oil theft and illegal refining activities remains a major challenge that requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders.

Rivers LG poll: CTC chairmen embark on vote buying empowerment

By Mark Lenu

 

Careful assessment of the ongoing empowerment drive across various LGAs by caretaker committee chairmen has shown that the empowerment is aimed at buying the votes of the people ahead of the forthcoming LG election in Rivers State.

The state independent electoral commission will conduct the poll on October 5 across the 23 LGAs that make up the state. In areas like ASALGA, AKULGA, DELGA, and Khana LGA respectively, the appearance of electricity supply is mainly attributed to the forthcoming LG poll.

The said LGAs are always known for having electricity supply during election season and after elections, blackout continues. The Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara has instructed the LG CTC chairmen to empower their people or face sack.

The CTC chairmen assumed office a few days after the tenure of the immediate past elected LG chairmen elapsed on June 17 this year.

Responding to the marching order of the governor, the CTC chairmen have rolled out various ways of empowering the people of their LGAs.

In ASALGA, the CTC chairman. Orolosama Amachree embarked on financial empowerment, ranging from N2m to N200k per lucky indigene of his LGA.

While the empowerment drive of the DELGA CTC chairman, Anthony Soberekon took the form of service rendering as he went out engaging the people of his LGA in medical, sanitation, and security services among others.

As for the CTC chairman of Ogu/Bola LGA, Evans Bipi, the indigent students of his LGA received free WAEC, JAMB, and NECO as the council boss took the responsibility of paying for the fees of the external exams.

These various empowerment initiatives will form the campaign speeches of the CTC chairmen and their party when they canvass the votes of the people in the forthcoming LG poll.

ASUU threatens strike again as Nigerian varsities rank lowest in Africa

By Mark Lenu

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has placed the Federal Government on a 21-day notice that it would embark on a nationwide strike. The notice was issued at the end of the NEC meeting, which was held at the University of Ibadan, and a copy is expected to be transmitted to the Federal Ministries of Labour and Education.

The reason for the strike notice may not have been unconnected with the breach of agreements between the FG and ASUU which has affected the nation’s university rating among other varsities in the world.

An Associate Professor with the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Steve Wordu told our correspondent that Nigerian universities ranked lowest in Africa. Although the strike is not an ultimatum but a notice after which the union shall embark on strike.

The aim of putting out the notice is to fulfill the requirement under labor laws so as to ensure that the actions of ASUU were done within the ambit of the law.

.Wordu said, “Nigeria is yet to implement the World Bank standard on the education budget. “This country ranks the lowest in terms of budgetary allocation for universities in Africa.” The academician also appealed to Nigerians to reason with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, adding that ASUU really wants the government to improve the university system.

CSOs addresses challenges in Implementing Petroleum Industry Act

By Tina Amanda

Civil society organizations have called on communities to demand openness and transparency and actively participate in the selection process and needs assessment in the implementation of the 3% allocation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

In light of these challenges, the Kebetkache Foundation, in collaboration with Oxfam, organized a one-day capacity training workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and community members in Imo and Delta states. The event focused on framing advocacy around the host communities as it pertains to the PIA.

In his keynote presentation; on “Framing Advocacy Around the Host Community Component of the Dr. Tubodenyefa Zibima, a lecturer and the Deputy Director of the Institute of Niger Delta Studies (INDS), highlighted the political complexities surrounding the implementation of the PIA. He noted that many community members are unaware of the established components due to the highly politicized nature of their composition.

The expert pointed out that the PIA, as written, complicates efforts for transparency and accountability due to external interferences in the selection process, which excludes community participation.

“The law mandates that committee members be community members, but the selection process lacks transparency, leading to difficulties in ensuring the committees operate openly.

“One significant challenge remains the implementation of the 3% allocation to host communities and the establishment of indigenous trust funds.

“We can see that every community has its own specific experience regarding how these components have been established. Many people do not even know these components exist in their communities, which speaks to the highly politicized nature of the process.

“The level of politics involved is driven by the significant funds attached to the operation of these mechanisms. Regarding the implementation of the host community component of the PIA, the issue of accountability and transparency is crucial. These are everyday terms, but in the context of the Niger Delta, they take on significant importance.

“The PIA’s provisions complicate efforts to achieve transparency and accountability. The selection process for the board of trustees, the management committee, and the advisory committee are subject to external interference, excluding community participation.

“Communities often have no idea how these individuals were selected, and even when they do, there is no community input. The bill states that committee members must be from the community, but the transparency of the selection process is marred by secrecy, making it difficult for these committees to operate transparently.”

The expert expressed concerns about the act’s provisions, which are silent on specific steps communities can take to institute changes in these committees. He however encouraged communities to enforce transparency and actively participate in the selection process and needs assessment.

Speaking on women’s inclusion in the committee setup, Dr. Zibima, said the act did not specify any gender balance, leaving the composition subject to the political and conceptual factors of each community at the time of committee formation.

“The PIA’s host community component was also criticized for its silence on gender composition within the committees. That is also another shortcoming of the provisions in the PIA, especially the host community component.

“it only states clearly the composition of these committees and that it’s subject to the number of communities, the membership of the committee is subject to the number of the communities in any community cluster, so if you have 20 oil producing in a cluster then you have at least 20 members in that management committee but the act is silent on the gender composition of the committee so it could be all women, it could be all men.

“it does not provide any process or criteria that says 30% women 70% men or 5% women, 5% men, the bill is silent on that so whatever the case may be in terms of gender balancing with regards to the composition of the communities that will depend on the conceptual and political factors in anyone community as of the time of composing the committees”.

Chilos Godsent, Executive Director
Center for Leadership and Development (CLD), said so many communities is yet to implement the 3% since it was signed into a bill, stressing that communities have not formed their host community trust fund.

“The workshop was in regard to the implementation of the funds 3% from the IOC’S to the communities regarding through host committee trust fund and the workshop was meant to enhance the capacity of the community people in demanding for the fund and also in mapping community development projects.

“So the workshop was meant to enhance the people’s capacity to understand how to map community developmental projects and also to access the 3% fund for community development through the host community trust fund.

“You already know the set laws which are the companies determine predominately members of the committee, so it has been very difficult for many committees of the host community establish a board of trustees and trust fund because the board of trustees members can also come from either side.

“so there are a whole lot of challenges/ lacuna within the PIA and the workshop was meant to enhance the capacity of the community people to understand the challenges and how to tackle some of those challenges through advocacy”.

The workshop highlighted the need for clear mechanisms to ensure the unbiased implementation of the PIA and encouraged communities to demand transparency and accountability in the selection and operation of these committees.

Participants left the event with a deeper understanding of the political and operational challenges and a stronger resolve to advocate for their communities’ interests.

Explosion at APP Secretariat in Port Harcourt: Police Respond… unveils suspect responsible for dynamite explosion

By Tina Amanda

 

The Rivers State Police Command says it’s intensifying to apprehend culprits involved in the explosion at the All-Peoples Party (APP) secretariat, Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, on 12 August 2024.

In a press statement issued by the Command Spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Command received a distress call regarding the incident.

“In the early hours of August 12, 2024, at around 12:30 am, a loud explosion was reported at the All-Peoples Party (APP) secretariat on Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

“Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, immediately mobilized a team of tactical units and experts from the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD/Anti-Bomb) Squad to the scene. The area was cordoned off, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Procedures and search operations commenced.

“EOD experts identified a crater in front of the building where the device was placed, causing significant shockwaves that damaged the windows and doors. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a car parked near the secretariat, with two men alighting from the vehicle, igniting the suspected device, and throwing it at the building before driving off.

“The explosion caused damage to the front of the building but fortunately did not result in any loss of life. Samples from the site have been taken for further forensic investigation, and the police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the suspects involved.

In a related incident, the Command disclosed that the suspect from the previous explosion of June 25, 2024, along the Port Harcourt – Aba Expressway has been identified as Preye Josiah, alias Metusah, a 40-year-old native of Kabiama Community, Sagbama LGA. Preye, who was seriously injured and has been undergoing treatment, was on the police wanted list for his role in high-profile bank robberies led by Daniel Gogo, alias Full Payment, between 2012 and 2016.

“Preye, identified as the dynamite expert of the gang, has confirmed that the explosion was caused by dynamite. He is a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Efforts to arrest other suspects involved in the crime are ongoing.

“Preye, who has undergone three major surgeries, is recovering and will soon be charged in court upon the completion of investigations”.

Commissioner Disu however urged the public to remain vigilant in such cases and to avoid the vicinity of any explosion, as there may be additional devices present. In the event of an explosion or suspicion of one, the public is advised to contact the police at 08036219523 or 08032003514.

FG Urges Aviation Unions to Reconsider Planned Strike Over Revenue Deductions

The Federal Government has called on aviation unions to reconsider their planned strike over the deduction of 50% of the internally generated revenue (IGR) from aviation agencies.

The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees (AUPCTRE), had threatened to halt operations on August 21 in protest against the deductions.

 

In response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, issued a statement on Friday, appealing to the unions to suspend their planned strike. He assured them that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the aviation sector’s development and is committed to addressing their concerns.

Keyamo emphasized that the government is working to find a lasting solution that balances the fiscal needs of the government with the operational requirements of aviation agencies.

“We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognize the vital role our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry,” Keyamo stated.

“The Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.”

Keyamo urged the unions to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government works towards an amicable resolution. He expressed gratitude for the workers’ patience and dedication to the aviation sector, assuring them of the government’s commitment to creating a conducive work environment for all.

The Minister’s statement reflects the government’s recognition of the critical issues raised by the unions and its intent to address them promptly to prevent disruptions in the aviation sector.

Rivers: APC Support Okocha-Led CTC Despite Court Ruling Reinstating Beke

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its unwavering support for the Tony Okocha-led Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.

This endorsement was made public on Thursday, just three days after the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt nullified the sacking of the Emeka Beke-led executive of the APC in the state.

On Monday, Justice Sika Aprioku presided over the court ruling that declared the dissolution of the Beke-led executive by the APC’s NWC as unlawful.

The court determined that the NWC lacked the authority to dissolve an elected state executive and appoint a caretaker committee while the tenure of the elected officials was still active.

Consequently, the judge barred Okocha and the members of the Caretaker Committee from continuing to present themselves as the legitimate executives of the APC in Rivers State.

Despite this ruling, Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Festus Fuanter, addressed journalists after the NWC meeting on Thursday, insisting that the judgment of the Rivers State High Court is not binding on the party.

He stated, “We want to categorically state and inform the public that the position of the party in the judgment delivered by the Rivers High Court per. Justice S. Aprioko in Suit No: PHC 3592 CS. 2023 wherein the court reinstated the dissolved State Executive Committee that it is not binding on the APC.”

Further explained that the case in question involved the national chairman and secretary of the party, not the APC as a whole.

According to him, “The claimant in the said case sued the national chairman and secretary of our great party and not the APC itself, and you cannot sue an agent of a disclosed principal. That a court judgment/ruling/order is not binding on a person or organization that is not a party to the suit.”

Furthermore, he emphasized that there is an existing and valid court judgment against Emeka Beke and Iheanyichukwu Azubuike, the former Rivers State APC chairman and legal adviser, which led to their removal from office.

Fuanter noted, “It is pertinent to state here that the said judgment has been appealed against by Chief Emeka Beke and it is pending before the Court of Appeal.

“Given the above, the party still recognizes the erstwhile Caretaker Committee set up to oversee the affairs of the party in the state.”

Three Senior Lawyers Battle for PDP Representation in Rivers Congress Dispute

A drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as three senior advocates unexpectedly appeared to represent Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in a legal battle over the conduct of congresses in the Rivers State chapter of the PDP.

When the case was called on Thursday, a tense situation arose as K.C.O. Njemanze, SAN, announced his appearance for the plaintiffs, followed by Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, and Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, who both stood up simultaneously to represent the 1st to 4th defendants—comprising the PDP, Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Umar Bature.

The case traces back to last month when Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court issued an order restraining the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies from interfering with the ward, local government, and state congresses of the PDP scheduled for July 27, 2024.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to August 15, 2024, to deliberate on the matter brought by six supporters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.

The court, aiming to maintain order, instructed Orbih to speak first, followed by Ajibade. However, the situation grew more complicated when yet another senior advocate, Sunday Ameh, also announced his representation for the same defendants.

To prevent further confusion, Justice Lifu urged the senior advocates to resolve the issue among themselves. Following this, Orbih requested a brief adjournment to allow them to sort out the matter.

With no objections from the other counsels, the court granted the adjournment, setting the next hearing for August 30.

“The justice of this case demands an adjournment and consequent upon the agreement of counsel, this matter is adjourned till August 30, for a final report on the counsel representing the 1st to 4th respondents, sequel to a meeting to be so held,” said Justice Lifu.

He added that if the meeting failed to resolve the issue, the senior lawyers would need to file a motion with affidavits proving they were legitimately engaged by the parties in the suit.

The judge also extended his previous ex-parte order restraining the PDP and security agencies from interfering with the Rivers State congresses until the main suit could be heard.

Due to the case’s delay, the court could not address an application from several individuals seeking to join as defendants.

These applicants, represented by Chief D.O. Okoro, SAN, included notable figures like David Omereji, Prince Solomon Eke, Isoboye Tobin, and others. During Thursday’s proceedings, Okoro drew the court’s attention to the pending motion for a joinder.

The six PDP members who filed the initial ex-parte application are Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka, Dr. Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji.

The defendants in the motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/106/12014, include the PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature, INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police of Rivers State, and the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) and DSS.

Last month, Justice Sobere Hambo issued a separate ruling, temporarily restraining the PDP and three national executives from conducting the planned congresses until the determination of a motion already filed.

However, in a later ruling, Justice Lifu ordered the PDP and its national officers to proceed with the congresses, emphasizing the need to adhere strictly to the party’s guidelines and adjusted timetable.

Justice Lifu also placed a restriction on the PDP and its officers from allowing any individuals who failed to obtain nomination or forms within the stipulated time frame to run for elective office within the party.

He ordered the plaintiffs to provide a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants, should the court later determine it was misled into granting the restraining orders. The damages, if awarded, would be assessed by the court.

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