Nigeria: Long-awaited victory as Shell finally pays out £55 million over Niger Delta oil spills

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Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

Oil giant Shell's long-overdue compensation pay out to a community devastated by oil spills in the Niger Delta is an important victory for the victims of corporate negligence, said Amnesty International and the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development today.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Between Boko Haram and MEND’s renewed attacks

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Read Time:6 Minute, 45 Second

Uneasy calm has engulfed the South-South part of  Nigeria following renewed violence in the region and the vow by a faction of the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND,to avenge the killing of Southerners in the North by threatening to bomb mosques even though the Joint Military Task Force  has dismissed the threats, saying MEND no longer exists.

MEND for instance claimed responsibility first,  for the killing of twelve policemen in Bayelsa  along the Azuzuama waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state after an earlier threat that security operatives did not take seriously; and second , for the destruction of Oil Well 62 belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company in Ewellesuo, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The group claimed the destruction of  the oil well  was part of its Operation Hurricane Exodus to oil companies in that area.

Many also believe the renewed attacks have everything to do with the prison sentence given to Henry Okah in South Africa.

MEND’s  spokesman, Gbomo Jomo had recently announced  the group’s readiness to commence fresh hostilities to save Christians from Boko Haram violence in an operation codenamed Operation Barbarossa, which he said would begin on May 31 and would target mosques and Islamic clerics.

MEND’s statement read:

“On behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation.

“The bombings of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assasinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate, will form the core mission of this crusade code named Operation Barbarossa”.

But the  Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta codenamed Operation Pulo Shield  debunked  these claims by the MEND that it was responsible for renewed hostilities in the region. The JTF statement signed by  the  JTF’s Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu read:

“It must be made clear that the authentic MEND as we all know went into extinction since Yar’Adua’s amnesty and quite a good number of  former members  are partnering with their various states and communities for development.

“Those attempting to christen themselves MEND today are impostors and a bundle of “never do wells” who want to be accorded undue recognition at the expense of the peace currently savoured in the Niger Delta. The lack of focus and genuineness of intention of this gang seeking to hide under the name of MEND is apparent in its statements.

“As it continues to contradict itself, you’d recall that it had earlier claimed to be acting under the directives of Henry Okah and now it refers to the same person as just one of the respected leaders of the Niger Delta.

“Now they are seeking sympathy and acceptance of the public by claiming to want to avenge Christians. Niger Deltans should not be deceived by the tricks of the devil. Lawlessness is never a solution. Obviously, their aim is to engender panic and a sense of insecurity in the region using MEND’s name, but we assure them that their cup is full and will soon be caught up with by the law.”

In another reaction sent to Saturday Vanguard, the national coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Eva said that those who killed the policemen in Bayelsa State are criminals. “MEND did not kill the policemen. In fact, there were some robbery incidents that took place in the North under the cover of the Boko Haram.

“There is no doubt that the prison sentence given to Henry Okah will generate anger in some quarters among our people because Henry Okah is a leader. But the incident was purely criminal. How can you kill security men and most of them are Ijaws and you claim you are fighting for Ijaw nation? That is madness. The Ijaw nation has not abandoned Okah for the problem he is facing. Americans cannot abandon their citizens no matter the condition of that citizen outside America.

“How can any group claim it is  fighting for Niger Delta when they told us they want to bomb mosques and muslim worship centres? MEND is not a confusionist group. Are you saying that MEND wants to defend religion? That is rubbish. Did Boko Haram attack Niger Delta? Is MEND telling us they want to help Jonathan and Dr. Namadi Sambo to fight Boko Haram? The threat is senseless. I’m not denying that MEND exists. Look, MEND is faceless the way Boko Haram is faceless. We have MEND and the real MEND is faceless and principled and any confusionist and unprincipled character you see is the fake MEND in Niger Delta.”

Meantime, Northern youths recently threatened to fight  back should MEND attempt to carry out it’s threats. The youths  through the National President of the Arewa Youth Forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Gujungu in Abuja  sent a warning message to MEND not to be too boastful, as violence does not belong to just one group. Gujungu said the  northern youths are ready to fight  back should the militants make real their threat.

The group’s leader said:

“The most recent threat by MEND is indeed unfortunate, callous and counter productive, especially coming at a time when patriotic Nigerians are making strident efforts and sacrifices to resolve the current security challenge.

“MEND, as usual, is putting spanners in the works for unpatriotic selfish economic benefits. It is painful that these elements are threatening more violence despite the colossal amount being paid their leadership and the training of Niger Delta youths abroad by the Federal Government to the obvious disadvantage of other Nigerian youths outside the region.

“MEND and its members are hereby warned that they do not have monopoly of ideas, strength or ability. The youths of the North and other Nigerians are united and shall face them to truncate any of their threats which are aimed at separating Nigerians along religious or ethnic divides for their selfish economic goals.

“It is very sad and mind-boggling to note that instead of supporting and ensuring that President Jonathan succeeds in finding a lasting solution to the present security challenge in the North, MEND has re-opened another insecurity theatre in the Niger Delta to cause distraction and make him fail.

“The obvious disrespect, which MEND shows to President Jonathan as not being among those they respect enough to intervene in the ongoing debacle, is food for thought, to say the least,” Gujungu said

What Nigerians worry about  is what would become of Nigeria should MEND carry out it’s threat and  Northerners react? Will our country survive religious uprising of such a magnitude?

Okwudiri Ikenna who reportedly lost relatives in Maiduguri said the threat by MEND will teach  the  Boko Haram terror group and its sympathizers that no one has monopoly over wickedness.

“Since the insurgency started, some of us have lost relations, friends but none of the Northern elders and  clerics have condemnedBoko Haram. All they are calling for is amnesty. If MEND goes ahead with its threat, we shall see who will condemn them.”

However, Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, earlier in the week was quoted to have urged security services to provide security in both Christian and Muslim places of worship. He said that: “Anyone parading or masquerading himself as Jomo Gbomo is not operating from Nigeria.

It may be the voice of a mischievous and an unpatriotic Nigerian operating from outside Nigeria.

I therefore appeal to all the ex-militant leaders and their followers not to allow themselves to be used and they should also ignore and openly condemn the so-called voice of Jomo Gbomo” .

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: FG empowers 300 ex-Niger Delta militants

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Read Time:1 Minute, 17 Second

The Federal Government, yesterday, gave financial and material aid to 300 ex-Niger Delta militants to enable them start off their medium and small-scale businesses.

The aid was given the ex-militants as part of government’s package to fully re-integrate them into the society.

The ex-militants were empowered by the Presidential Amnesty Office in areas of sales of building materials, electronics, fisheries and super markets, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony in Lagos, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, said the scheme was aimed at assisting the trained ex-militants and equip them to be a new generation of  entrepreneurs.

Kuku, who was represented by the Technical Adviser on Amnesty, Mr. Larry Pepple, said the empowerment will lay a solid foundation, break the circle of poverty and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Kuku said: “It will move Nigeria closer to the realisation of the number one goal of the millennium development goals, MDGs, of eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by 2015.’’

He noted that over 13,000 ex-militants had been deployed to local and foreign institutes for training, skill acquisition and other formal education, adding that  over 2500 of them had been placed in higher institutions of learning, while 4,608 were currently undergoing skill acquisition training, and 9,192 had  graduated in various fields, including agriculture, automobile, welding and fabrication, entrepreneurship, carpentry, plumbing, oil drilling and marine related courses; electrical installation, ICT and other areas.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria police killed by N/DELTA militants back from death

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Read Time:2 Minute, 8 Second

Call it faith, you are right, as the family of Mr. Lucky Ebebi, one of the 12 policemen presumed dead after an attack by ex-militants at Azuzama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State had cause to smile, he resurfaced alive yesterday. In fact, his name, Lucky, may have played a divine role in his release.

The 12 policemen were ambushed in last Saturday’s attack which the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility.

But the police faulted the group’s claim. Ten bodies were recovered by the military Joint Task Force (JTF) and police’s rescue team on Tuesday. When the 10 bodies of the policemen were recovered and brought to Yenagoa, Mr. Victor Ebebi, the senior brother to Lucky, who was among members of families that besieged the Yenagoa and Government jetty in the state capital to receive (the bodies) stated that he did not believe his brother was dead.

Victor, talking philosophical, expressed optimism that his brother would come back alive to his family because he was likely to be among the two policemen said to have been kidnapped by the ex-militants. Just like the elder Ebebi predicted, Lucky was actually whisked away by the ex-militants who took him to their camp inside the creeks.

According to investigations, Ebebi was freed by the ex-militants on Wednesday night after an undisclosed amount was paid. He was said to have been detained at the ex-militants’ camp with two other expatriates, who were kidnapped few weeks ago from a ship. Following the heat generated by the killing of the policemen, the ex-militants freed Ebebi and the expatriates.

Their freedom, after payment of ransom, was also made possible because of the health condition of Ebebi and the expatriates. In an attempt to escape arrest as security agencies cordoned off the river, the ex-militants were said to have accepted ransom after one of the expatriates reportedly died. Ebebi was said to have found his way to Yenagoa where he was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and treated for gunshot injury.

He was later discharged and reported at the police command’s headquarters where some senior police officers debriefed him. Sources at the FMC confirmed that one of the policemen attacked by ex-militants was brought to the hospital and was treated for gunshot injury before he was discharged.

Meanwhile, the police team investigating the killings is close to unveiling the culprits as preliminary reports gathered, may be having some success.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: MEND’s Threat and Matters Arising

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Read Time:10 Minute, 23 Second

If they made good their threat, at the time you are reading this, members of the taken-for-dead Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) would have resumed hostilities in the Niger Delta area, their major catchment area. The group had been in the forefront of violent agitation about ten years ago, demanding mainly, improved well being of the people of the Niger Delta, by way of provision of social infrastructure and employment. The scale of violence was high and sophisticated. It had grown from attacks on oil installations to kidnapping of oil workers especially expatriates, initially to force the government to a commitment of developing the region. But it soon became a veritable financial venture, a signature malaise that has become nationalized.

Not even the setting up of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, to exclusively develop the region, could tame the degree of violence.  This forced the succeeding government led by late Umaru Musa YarÁdua to not only create the Ministry of Niger Delta, but to also offer the militants amnesty, on the condition that they will lay down their arms and let peace be. And since 2009, the militants have been enjoying the amnesty offer which has taken some of them to far countries, whilst receiving their stipend unhindered. So much for the narratives.
Last Wednesday, the MEND threatened to commence  commotion in the country as at yesterday, as a result of the conviction of Henry Okah for thirteen years in South Africa. He was jailed for complicity in the bombings that occurred on Nigeria’s 50th anniversary in Abuja. That was in October 2010. In that incident, twelve persons were killed, and several others wounded. Although President Goodluck Jonathan had hastily absolved MEND of being the mastermind, events were to show otherwise. The trial in South Africa had been thorough, with mass of evidences which the court said, have proven beyond reasonable doubts that Okah was behind the attacks.
Before the Abuja incident, a regional summit organized by Vanguard Newspapers in Warri, in July of that year, had also been bombed. One woman died in that attack. Okah has been blamed for being behind the attacks.
Now in the bomb blasts the court said he engineered, a total of thirteen people died. Those who died from the blasts, are they not human? Didn’t they have families? Does MEND realise that many families have been thrown into eternal sorrow because of the terror acts of Okah? Children have been rendered fatherless or motherless, just as wives have been rendered widows. Their losses are eternally irrecoverable. Okah’s sentence is seen as a slap on the wrist. The sentence is light. He killed people and in recompense he got jailed for 13 years. I thought MEND should go for thanksgiving that in seven calendar years or so, their leader will be back. Those Okah caused to be killed are forever gone. They are all human. Okah’s life is not special.
It is instructive that Okah refused to accept the idea of the amnesty. The same Okah had indeed been involved in gun running leading to his arrest in Angola. He was extradited and made to face trial in Nigeria. But it was aborted. He soon got a pardon as he was released, in the bid to promote peace. That same Okah had also been accused of conniving with unscrupulous military personnel to steal or buy arms and ammunition of the Nigerian Army.  The said arms were in turn used in fighting and killing Nigerian soldiers guarding the creeks. But all that were ignored, and amnesty offered. But Okah refused to be appeased. He kept grumbling. He swore to continue his onslaught against the Nigerian state. I think it is in furtherance of that resolve that the two bomb incidents took place.
Long before the bomb incidents, the MEND had always pre-conditioned cessation of hostilities on the unconditional release of Okah. Okah got released unconditionally, out of sheer political expediency, yet the man will not sheathe the sword. His faction of the MEND has kept faith with violence, retaining most of its arms. It now has a cache of arms which promises to be a ready weaponry in the newly-declared war.

To therefore threaten fire and brimstone in the name of “Hurricane Exodus” because of a “mere” jail term is to sell the impression that we are all not equal before the law. Nothing can be more wrong.
And the other arising issue is the degree of oil theft going on in the Niger Delta. It had been expected that after the amnesty programme started, peace, perfect peace, will return to the zone. But it has not exactly. While wild violence and killings have stopped, another level of brigandage has long commenced with the brazen theft of petroleum products by a cabal. Not even the fact that the security of the oil pipelines has been contracted to one of the former militants, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) at  the huge cost– $40 million per annum, has stymied the roguery going on in the creeks. Already, Shell has shut down in the Nembe area, ENI is threatening to shut down, same as AGIP which has indeed shut down—all because of unprecedented stealing of petroleum products. Yet, the huge security fee is still being paid to Tompolo. So is he being paid for the blightful stealing of the products or what?

It is against all these anomalies that the frothy threat of MEND is seen as a tactical faux pas. MEND has been a beneficiary of government’s good faith. One good turn should deserve another. Not a thoughtless and selfish umbrage. Let there be peace!

Achebe on the Pulpit
That the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe used art as a veritable medium of preaching to the “oppressors” is not in doubt. The Trouble with Nigeria is that all the sermons he preached with his works, sounded like Greek to those in power, as if they are all under the spell of the Arrow of God. It is even a greater worry that no matter how much Nigeria earns, the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer, and so we are in a continuous cycle of Things Fall Apart, as the centre is ever hardly able to hold. Not even when we resorted to democracy by electing A man of the People, have we had a relief from the rage of the locusts and even the Anthills of the Savannah.

The more they seem to move, the more static we end up being. Much movement, no motion. Nothing can be more ironical than the fact that a nation that is so blessed perpetually appears so cursed. Today, even the rest of the world is No Longer at Ease with the scale of malfeasance going on in Nigeria. Things are getting even more degenerate and the solution is not nigh, because diagnosis and therapy have been fatally faulty. And those who saw a better Nigeria of yesterday cannot help but  moan in piteous retrospect that indeed There was a Country.

Canticles…
Is PDP About Shedding Leaves Again

Have you been following the silent war in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?
War? Silent war? Where?
Yes, war. It is war of nerves. Have you not seen how the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has been set on edge in the last one week?  Can’t you see how the old man has been running helter-skelter trying to save his job?

Please do not exaggerate. He has been calm stating his position with remarkable composure.
Composure indeed. You will not see that the old man has been sweating under, even when he is in an  AC-room. I can tell you that BMT is half-way gone. You did not hear that the President is not impressed with his performance? That under him,  the party has come under so much attack both from within and without? That he has literally set the governors against the Presidency. And many of the governors are actually considering dumping the party? And you know the political implication of such a clash. There is no gainsaying that the governors are in firm hold of the party structures. And running them against the presidency could jeopardize the political interest and future of the President. Do you think it is for fun that the newly-elected BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, has been criss-crossing the country on a trouble-shooting mission?

My friend, do not mis-represent issues here. There is nothing Tukur does without the approval of Mr President. They meet every Monday by 8.00pm at the Presidential Villa. I can confirm to you that the two party leaders are firmly on the same page as far as the operations of the party are concerned.  And so, all these flying rumours about discord and discontent are purely the figment of mischief makers. QED!

Hold it. It is not QED yet. You say Mr President and the national chairman of the party are on the same page on the matters of party administration? Does this agreement include the sacking of the Adamawa State Exco of the PDP? Don’t you know that was the beginning of the crisis in the party? Don’t you know that was what set the governors against Tukur and eventually the President? Don’t you know the Chairman has been accused of twisting the procedures in his home state of Adamawa all because he wants a state executive that can make his son, Mahmud Tukur eventually emerge as the state governor in the next gubernatorial election? You don’t know this?

Hmmm, CNN! Who told you all these? Who told you Tukur is positioning his son to become governor? The greatest concern of the Tukurs is how to clear the son from the accusation of being a Subsidy fraudster. And that reminds me, what is the state of that case even? Has anybody been jailed?

Jailed? Nobody will be jailed. I can tell you that for free. This is Nigeria. Didn’t I tell you at the beginning that the case is going nowhere? It is sheer hoax. Are you convinced now?
But the matter is still in court, isn’t it?
That matter is in the judicial lagoon. Trust me.
So, back to the PDP issue. You must be guided by the fact that the leadership of the party is also concerned about frequent changes of its chairmen. It is almost becoming scandalous. I can count the number of chairmen of the party who had left office gloriously on my left hand. I don’t think Mr President wants to lengthen the list of chairmen who left in a huff.

Don’t be deceived. The interest of Mr President is what counts uppermost. If in the calculation of the President, Tukur’s continued stay in office will imperil his re-election chances, he will be thrown overboard without blinking. That is the way the game is played. And from what I can see the PDP is about shedding its leaves again. These are desperate times. And I can tell you that as 2015 draws closer, you will be seeing more and more desperate actions.

But by the way, is it true that the President has decided to consider amnesty to ghosts?
Ghosts?

Yes, Ghosts, alias Boko Haram.
(index finger across lips) Shhhhh. Don’t say I told you. But it is all about 2015 my brother. The ghosts have been transformed into humans.

No, don’t make mockery of a serious matter. Don’t forget even the most senior northern monarch had led the call for the amnesty offer for the Boko Haram members. It will be foolhardy to dismiss such a voice without paying dearly for it.
Whatever it is, the President has shown again his trademark inconsistency.
I will rather say the President has shown that he listens, and that above all, he is not rigid.
A beg leave Nigeria matter jare

Let us go and pray, so the Junkuns and Tivs won’t come tomorrow asking for amnesty.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria: Orubebe Begins Sensitisation On Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Confab

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Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has solicited the support of governors of the nine states in the Niger Delta region as part of the ministry's sensitisation efforts towards the forthcoming stakeholders' conference.

Orubebe, who spoke when he was received by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Effiok Cobhan, on behalf of Governor Liyel Imoke, said the plan to visit the nine governors of the Niger Delta states was to solicit their support and cooperation towards the success of the conference and maiden National Council on Niger Delta slated for April 21 and 26.

A statement from the ministry's Deputy Director (Press), Mr. Fidelis Osammor, quoted Orubebe as recalling that from 1958 when oil was first discovered in the region, there had been various programmes, and committee, among others geared towards addressing the enormous challenges confronting the region as a result of oil exploration activities and their attendant socio-economic and environmental issues.

He noted that all the solutions did not yield the required result due to lack of coordinated efforts towards finding a lasting solutions to the myriad of problems confronting the region.

The minister noted that his ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners carefully developed an all-encompassing Niger Delta Action Plan to enable the ministry pool resources and coordinate all efforts towards a speedy achievement of the Niger Delta.

He added that the idea was to set up a basket of funds for which stakeholders would contribute since it has become obvious that the federal government alone cannot fund the anticipated massive development of the region.

In his response, Cobham commended the federal government for its commitment towards putting the right processes and structures in place to achieve the development and progress of the long neglected Niger Delta region through the programmes of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Community halts Shell gas project

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Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second

The people of Otumara Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have asked the Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, SPDC, to halt a proposed gas plant project in the area, or, on the alternative, give them adequate compensation to relocate, before the company can go ahead to site its proposed gas plant in the area.

The people of the community who spoke through their Chairman, Mr James Edun, Spokesman, Pastor Alade Omaejile, Women Leader, Mrs Grace Odogene and P.R.O., Pastor Weyimi Fuludu, are requesting Shell Petroleum Development Company to pay a minimum of N25,000 per meter square, instead of N4,500, which the Company has proposed to pay them to vacate their residents which would be demolished to serve as site for the proposed gas plant which SPDC intends to site in the Community.

They have called on the company to follow the example of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government, that pay up to N120,000 per square meter to owners of properties usually demolished in construction sites, and said unless SPDC makes adequate compensation which would be enough for them to build another befitting homes for themselves, they would not vacate the community for the proposed gas plant to commence.

It would be recalled that SPDC, in year 2000, proposed to site a gas plant in Otumara Community. Consequent upon the development, the company forwarded an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the Federal Ministry of Environment for approval.

Reacting to the EIA, copies which were made available to the press, the people of the community have alleged that SPDC, contrary to Article 11 Section 2 of the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, of the United Nations, the company omitted “social, economic, physical, biological and hydrological impact which the gas project shall place on the immediate Otumara Community, and which avail the people of their rights to adequate compensation, an act which the people of the community have accused SPDC of deliberate witch-hunting”.

They also alleged that SPDC recently approached them to relocate, following approval of the EIA, by the Federal Government, “with the intention to pay them a token compensation of N4,500 per meter square for properties to be demolished, which the community rejected”, insisting they must be paid N25,000 per meter square which is adequate for them to build another homes for themselves.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Ex-militant commanders warn kidnappers in Niger Delta

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Read Time:1 Minute, 24 Second

EX-militant commanders in the Niger Delta region have warned hoodlums to desist from further acts of kidnapping in the region.

In a statement under the aegis of Leadership Forum for Peace, the former militant commanders, who spoke through ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, said they would not tolerate further acts of kidnapping for ransom in the region.

Wilson said the ex-militant commanders had to locate, secure and release of six foreigners who were recently taken hostage in Bayelsa State.

Those rescued by the ex- militant commanders in Bayelsa were two Indians, one Russian and three Ukrainians.

He said they were worried over the damage the rising cases of kidnapping were causing the region, stressing that they were set to rid the region of kidnappers.

According to them, the Federal Government had shown appreciable degree of concern over the challenges of underdevelopment in the area, so there was need to create a conducive environment for government to achieve its development goals in the region.

He noted that there was no justification for continued kidnapping in the region with the Federal Government’s amnesty programme on course.

He said: “We took the pains to go into the creeks that we left some years back to look for and rescue all the abducted foreign workers because it was shameful and degrading that some disgruntled elements are still thinking of kidnapping people in times like these, when the amnesty programme has been on course.

“Rather than engage in activities that will drive the name of the Niger Delta in the mud, we should all join hands in supporting the developmental initiatives of the government. Kidnapping does not pay.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Crisis tears ex-militant group, NDLF apart

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Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second

CRISIS hit the defunct Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, a militant group formed by the ex-militant leader, the late “General” John Togo, weekend, with the group torn into two factions.

Spokesperson of the group, “Captain” Mark Anthony, in an exclusive electronic mail statement to Saturday Vanguard, confirmed that Togo’s successor, “General” Peter,  has been deposed by NDLF on allegations of bad leadership, betrayal and corruption.

However, the toppled leader’s faction, reacting to his purported sack, yesterday,   insisted that he was still in-charge of NDLF leadership. It also denied the allegations of embezzlement and highhandedness.

“Captain” Anthony in statement said, “The NDLF has unanimously endorsed Commander Asi Eniegbolokumor, (former CSO to NDLF) to replace the deposed leader as the new substantial leader of NDLF.”

The statement, co-signed by Commanders Asi Eniegbolokumo, Adobo Ozidi, Ogbowei Allah and Jerome Demebide reads in part, “We,  the undersigned leaders of Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, have sacked NDLF ceremonial leader, Peter Doloebiowei and suspended him indefinitely on offences against the rules and norms of the organization. Therefore, Peter Doloebiowei ceases to be the leader of NDLF…”

They accused him of “single handedly and    fraudulently       compiling    names for the amnesty induction without the   knowledge of     other leaders by adding fake names which took place at the Army Barracks, Effurun Warri, and Delta State at the detriment of NDLF operatives.”

He was also accused of betraying their deceased leader, Togo, shortchanging the members and disregarding key leaders of the group, among other things.

According to the statement, “Commander Asi Eniegbolokumor has been elevated to the rank of a “General” to pilot the affairs of the organization peacefully in line with the oath of peace taken with Federal Government.

“Also, ‘Commander’ Adobo Ozidi, who was the former head of intelligence, FBI, is also elevated to the rank of second- in command to the group. All other positions remain valid”, it added.

The group asserted, “We pledge to keep and maintain the oath of peace with federal government for unity and progress of Nigeria. The amnesty office, general public and the press are advised not to carry out any business with the sacked leader on behalf of NDLF.”

It urged to the Presidential Amnesty Office, police and army to arrest the deposed leader and prosecute him for fraud to serve as a deterrent to others.

According to NDLF, “We appeal to the Amnesty Office to kindly give us the privilege to cross-examine the submitted fake list by the deposed leader to enable us correct the anomaly. We equally appeal to the Amnesty Office to keep to the 100 slots approved for John Togo group, which could go round to give all our boys sense of belonging.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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MEND: Ref: Conviction of our Leader and Founder Mr. Henry Okah

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Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

We witnessed ourselves firsthand the conviction of our dear leader yesterday the 21st of January 2013 by the South African Supreme Court on all the 13th count charges which as we all know has to do with ASO ROCK politic on a man simply because he refused to be bought over. Before yesterday’s ruling, we had high regards for the South African judiciary but not now as we were wrong on our previous assessment nevertheless, people pays for mistakes committed by others so we the High Command of MEND have an advice for the South African people, which is TELL YOUR GOVERNMENT through your judiciary stay away with events that happened in Nigeria or else some South Africans will pay dearly for it.

To the Nigerian military (The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta) don’t bother for now placing officers on alert, we will not bomb nor kill anybody for the time being, as we had communicated months back, we no long require IED or car bombs as we’ve gone pass that stage. Nigerians as a whole will feel our presence when we finally decide to carry out our targets which will not be restricted to the Niger Delta Region alone.

We so much understand the job load of an image maker but I most point our here clearly that the JTF’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu will have much jobs to do in the region anytime soon for thinking we rely on the OLD COMMANDERS that sold out to take up arms on behalf of our leader, just don’t underrate our capabilities which will take the Nigerian Military another 10 years to catch.
We are not on the same program with regional agitators in the north or elsewhere, we will not hide our faces, soon and very soon, Nigerians will get to see the structures (Diaspora and Home) as well as our new states, regional commanders and new National Leader, arresting and killing Henry Okah will change nothing.

To the Nigerian Government, you have seen NOTHING, the disintegration of Nigeria will start through us and by us, we are well equipped for this task. We have details of all the family members of the Government (1999-2013) and our Diaspora Command will take care of that aspect, we will get to them, we will skin them and post their remains to your door steps as compensation to the Ode people, except our resources are handed over to us without conditions.

All Federal, States and Local Government officials under the pay roll of the Government ( ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals, Directors etc ) should stay away from the Niger Delta, if found anywhere in the South South region, they will have themselves to blame and that is if they live to tell the tales.

The Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry Mr. Orubebe Peter Godsday is hereby banished from Delta State and the region at large pending when he returns the money he stole which was meant for the Niger Delta Development Councils and also while with:

(a) Burutu Local Government Council, Delta State (1991-1993),
(b) As second Member: Primary Education Board, Asaba, Delta State 2000-2003.
(c) As the Special Adviser to James Ibori former Delta State Governor on Urban/Regional Planning between January 2004 and November 2005.

This whole money belongs to the Niger Delta people and most be return or he should be ready to face the consequences along with your nuclear and immediate family members.

To our Natural Resources, there will soon be a massive earthquake that will be trigged by our nuclear war head, this earthquake will destroy the entire oil wells, oil pipelines especially to Kaduna refinery, oil installations, oil rigs and what have you, when it happens, which we know will be very soon, the Government and those owners of these oil wells and installation will know it’s a different ball game.

All oil companies, (foreign or local) should start parking up from the region as this might be the last warning, we really will not want civilians to be caught in between so please take this warning seriously.

To our old breed Commanders, you can talk as much as you want just because you were bought over for a token but we wonder why the fight against your masters, the hurricane is almost there and it will sweep everything left.

And finally to the South Africa Companies: we made some promises before and now we are repeating same, LEAVE NIGERIA totally, there will be massive and aggressive campaign on all companies owned, operated and affiliated to the South African Citizens or their Government both in Nigeria, Western and Southern Africa respectively.

OUR CAMPAIGN START AFTER HENRY OKAH’S APPEAL.
WE WILL MAKE A POINT!!!!
SIGNED:
COMRADE AZIZI
23rd January 2013

::Global Media News Alert
The Pathfinder —

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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