THE STATE OF ABANDONED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECT IN ITSEKIRI LAND

Chevron is one of the oil companies exploring crude oil in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Its exploration activities have allegedly caused environmental pollution, which has affected the biodiversity of the Niger Delta areas, contaminating rivers and farms. 

The Itsekiri people protested, claiming CNL would not explore their oil without assisting in the development of the oil producing communities, which were in shambles — no good roads, no hospitals and electricity supply and they no longer go to the river to fish — because of the pollution of the waterways. Itsekiri land was so uninhabitable that the indigenes had to relocate to Sapele and Warri.

Our reporter who went round Itsekiri Communities on personal assessment survey to assertained the level of development and CNL impart on the people reveal that sometimes in 2005, Chevron introduced a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) governance model to promote sustainable development and foster community engagement in its areas of operation in the Niger Delta, including Itsekiri communities.

The GMoU led to the establishment of IRDC whose function was to award contracts and execute various projects for the sustainable development of 24 oil-producing Itsekiri communities. The Council in partnership with Chevron tours the communities and the council proposes projects that could ameliorate the sufferings of the people, for which the company makes funds available.

The communities are located in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas. They include Aja-Amita, Ajudaibo, Bateren, Deghele, Ebrohimi, Eghoro, Gbokoda, Ijaghala, Jakpa, Kolokolo, Madangho, Obaghoro, Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Omadino, Sagharatie, Tebu, Tisun, Udo, Ugboegungun, Ugbolegin, Ureju, and Usor.

Investigation reveal that since the commencement of the GMoU in 2005 to date, CNL in a response to some of the issues raised by indegenes of the aforementioned areas through its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs,, claimed the company has disbursed over N7.2 billion to the IRDC. The company said the documents showing the disbursement of money to IRDC annually are available but cannot be shared.

After several years of IRDC in operation, Itsekiri communities are still in shambles as there is still no sustainable development as there is no weighty or elephant Project to justify the huge amount been released by CNL annually to IRDC yet there is no completed projects to equalized the rate of reckless spendings

Our reporter gathered that Itsekiri people not only believe that the Council embezzled the money; they also allege that Chevron Nigeria Limited connived with the Council to halt development in the communities. Chevron cannot leave America and come to Nigeria and take our monies and destroy our communities. Whatever money that is due to Itsekiri land, should be properly accounted for and spent for the benefit of the Itsekiri people not just for few men who overnight turn to billionaires and are now using the youths as their thugs,.

#Read_Next_Investigation_continue

WHY GOV. OKOWA SHOULD FIX WARRI/EFFURUN REGIONAL WATER SCHEME BEFORE HIS EXIT

WHY GOV. OKOWA SHOULD FIX WARRI/EFFURUN REGIONAL WATER SCHEME BEFORE HIS EXIT

The Warri/Effurun water project that was considered one of the biggest investment ever made for domestic/industrial water supply in the history of Nigeria, was conceived in 1989 by the Africa Development Bank (ADB).It was a water scheme designed for the twin cities of Warri/Effurun and it's environs, to attain sufficiency in drinkable and usable water demand.

Our reporter who went round investigation gathered that the project was abandoned in 1995, but observed further that at the inception of this present Democratic process in 1999 through successive regimes of Government in the state succeeded in using it as an electoral promise on the people.

 Smart Media Network assessment survey on persons residing in both Warri and Effurun as to ascertain how well the project has been serving them, reveal that while greater numbers of household in the aforementioned areas are living on self drilled boreholes in their premises, the average persons who cannot afford the luxury of boreholes are not getting much from the water scheme.

It will be recalled that during the reigns of Delta State former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, led Delta State  Government completed the first phase of the project.Therefore, we are using this medium to call on the present Government to prioritize the Warri/Effurun Water Scheme, before the expiration of his Government.

THE LAW OF DETENTION AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL TO FREEDOM

THE LAW OF DETENTION AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL TO FREEDOM

In the case of OGHENETEJIRI who was MURDER in the Police custody: An Urhobo brilliant and illustrious son died in the custody of police officers attached to Delta State Police Command, as at the time of this report, no constituted panel has been set up to look into the circumstances that led to the untimely death of our own, #OGHENETEJIRI.

It's only in Delta an innocent suspect would died in police custody as a result of the IPO or the police men involved lackadaisical or conspiratorial acts and still be seeing them leaving their duty posts to embrace their children at home after sending an innocent person's to an untimely death. 

We browsed the internet and see how other State Governors reacts to issue like this but ours is a different ball game. Could it be that it was because of the fact that the victim, OGHETEJIRI came from Urhobo nation???

#THE_LAW_OF_DETENTION

The law of detention is provided for under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The law aims at curing any mischief occasioned by the police or whosoever, against the fundamental rights of citizens, especially, the right to dignity of human person, the right to personal liberty, and the right to freedom of movement under sections 34(1)(a)(b)(c), 35(1)-(7) and 41(1)and(2) respectively. CFRN

Section 34(1)(b) CFRN states that every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no person shall be held in slavery or servitude. Also, Section 35(1) CFRN stipulates that every person shall be entitled to his respect to personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty except in accordance with a procedure permitted by law, as prescribed under paragraphs (a)(b)(c)(d)(e) and (f) of subsection (1) of section 35 (CFRN 1999).

On point of law, the police, or whosoever, do not and will not have any right to detain any person beyond one (1) day, or in some special circumstances beyond two (2) days depending on the nearness of a court of competent jurisdiction or as the case may be, without obtaining a court order to remand such a person in prison custody and not in a police cell or police station, otherwise such detention beyond one (1) or two (2) days as the case may be is illegal. See section 35 (1)(c), (4) $ (5) (a)$(b) CFRN 1999 and sections 293-299 ACJA.

In the event of obtaining a court order to remand such a person not entitled to bail in prison custody, if the person is not tried within a period of two(2) months from the date of his arrest, or three (3) months in the case of a person who has been released on bail, the court shall without prejudice to any further proceedings that may be brought against him, release him either unconditionally or upon such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he appears for trial at a later date. It is based on this fundamental grundnorm principle i.e section 35(4)(a)$(b) CFRN 1999, that criminal cases are struck out by the courts under S351 ACJA and S280 CPA for want of diligent prosecution.

The most assuring benefit of the law is that any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained, shall be entitled to damages in monetary compensation and public apology, from the person and/or authority that carried out the unlawful arrest, except where the "unlawful" arrest or detention was upon reasonable suspicion of having committed a capital offence. In this case, the test of "reasonable suspicion" shall be a case for the determination by the court. This legal mechanism, is a check against arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention by individuals and law enforcement agencies.

#These_i_so_submit_on_the_legal_mind

VANDALS WHO DESTROYED THE UJEVWU-ITAKPE RAIL TRACKS AND CARTED AWAY WITH RAIL RODS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED.

#PHOTOS_NEWS

VANDALS who destroyed the Ujevwu-Itakpe Rail Tracks and carted away with Rail Rods have been arrested.

The effort of the law enforcement agents in apprehending the culprits is commendable.

THIS SHOULD SERVE AS DETERRENT TO OTHERS 👏

DELTA INDIGENES RAISED ALARM, AS WATER HYACINTH BLOCKED ONLY ENTRANCE OF ARHAVWARIEN KINGDOM

#BREAKING_NEWS

DELTA INDIGENES RAISED ALARM, AS WATER HYACINTH BLOCKED ONLY ENTRANCE OF ARHAVWARIEN KINGDOM

The people' of Arhavwarien Kingdom in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State has raised alarm over water hyacinth blockage of the only entrance (River) of the kingdom, a situation that have crippled the daily economy  activities of the area.

Our reporter who visited the scene confirm that Arhavwarien Kingdom was founded in the Riverine Area which have only one way entrance through the river and it habitants can only access the Communities by crossing with a boat.

Therefore, the people has called on the State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ughelli South Local Govt Council to as a matter of urgent come to the aide of the people living in Arhavwarien Kingdom a place within Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

The development has slowed down the flow of the river, disrupting free movements of ⛵ boats ⛵ into the Communities, the trend has continues to post threat to the only means of livelihoods which they us for fishing and transportation.

The habitants are mainly fisher-Men and Women, as major occupation of the Arhavwarien people and the presence of the Hyacinth have been affecting the fishing activities and transportation through the River for the past months.

They passionately appeal to Delta State Government, Private Sector and individual at all level to device means of permanent solution to weed out the hyacinth from the river to free the daily activities of those who use the River proceeds as means to survive their families.

DELTA YOUTHS BERATE GOV. OKOWA OVER POOR QUALITY OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

#Chop_i_Chop_Roads

DELTA YOUTH BERATES GOV. OKOWA OVER POOR QUALITY OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

A social political pressure group known as Delta Youths Voice Movement for good Governance within the main opposition party in Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized Governor Okowa-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government on the poor quality of road construction projects in some parts of the state.

 

The group in a statement recently, signed by its co-ordinator Engr Ohwofasa Gabriel, described some of the road construction and rehabilitation projects as “chop i chop roads”,  urging Deltans to always demand bill of quantity of projects (roads) being executed in their domain.

The group observed the situation as unconscionable, the standard of roads being constructed by the State Government. It is disheartening, immoral and criminal of the State Government to award/attached humongous amounts to roads’ projects yet the quality and standard of roads constructed are far below specifications of standard from the funds allocated.

The group decried the quality of work on the recently rehabilitated Orhuwhorun road in Udu Local Government Area of the State. The group express displeasure that the road is already collapsing due to bad engineering works, when rains are yet to start.

The group further expressed sadness over the recent constructed Okpe-Isoko/Orie/Ofagbe Road in Isoko area. Excavation was not carried out. It was only graded, sand poured on it and asphalted. The said road which is supposed to have several culverts because of its topography/swampy nature had none on it. The road which is less than two inches thick is now riddled with potholes because of poor job by the contractors that handled same. In fact, the road is an eyesore! This might not be unconnected with “kick back and kick front” that the government is known for.

The group also pointed out that the Effurun/ Warri Sapele Road that is less than ten kilometres has been under construction for the past fifteen years. The said road has become an “osusu” to every PDP led Government in the State, year in year out! More worrisome is the fact that any rehabilitated section of the road does not survive the vagaries of weather for one year.

Otokutu main road in Ughelli South Local Government Area is another poorly done job. The road is a product of “my Oga dey Asaba to protect, nothing dey happen”, irrespective of the substandard nature of it. Some persons see that road as their yearly source of income. As a result, quality is thrown to the dustbin whenever the road is  constructed and/or rehabilitated!

The group wonders if the State Government is ready to change from its callous disposition towards the good of Deltans. Why are Deltans so unlucky when it comes to governance of the State!

Since the State Government cannot guarantee Deltans quality roads that can stand the test of time, the group call on Deltans to always demand for bill of quantity of projects (roads) being executed in their domain. Deltans should take their destiny in their hands and demand for the best, as Deltans are not conquered people.

THE NIGERIAN YOUTH AND THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL LIBERATION

The Nigerian pathetic situation and her journey to freedom reminds me of Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom. It is indeed a predicament and a dicey situation. The glamour for attitudinal change towards public office remains a complex situation.  While the present species of political gladiators seems to be adamant to relinquish power to the younger generation, there is a quest to capture the seat of power by the young and aspiring vibrant youths come 2023. The young ones are already gathering momentum by engaging in series of leadership programmes at various levels. 

This is indeed a commendable step towards achieving greatness and contributing to grassroot and National development. The question at this juncture is how feasible is it for young lads to mount the seat of power at various levels of Government without the assistant of political Godfather's? How financially capable and prepared are the young and energetic youths to  wrestle power from the present crop of political leaders? Will the youths come together in solidarity to chart a unified struggle towards 2023?  Would the political institutions of Government create an enabling milieu for free, fair and credible elections come 2023? 

The aforementioned and many other questions create a political uncertainty in the quest to obtain power from the  class of political bourgeois who have manipulated the ranks and files thus resulting in the proliferation of social vices such as kidnapping, prostitution, internet fraud, youth restiveness etcetera.

Freedom is never cheap but political freedom is more difficult to get. These were the words of Nelson Mandela in his book entitled "Long Walk to Freedom". It is truism that the political class wouldn't want to relinquish power to the younger generation owing to the benefits that comes with their offices as public officeholders thus, it would require a fierce political battle on the part of the Nigerian youths to cease power from these class of knowledge bereaved entities masquerading themselves as politicians.

Politics in Nigeria is expensive and a good number of our youths are unemployed, poor or lack the psyche of political activism.  These are therefore bottlenecks that would jeopardize the ascension to power by the youthful assembly. On the part of financial capacity, the youths do not have what it takes to financially match the the older politicians who are willing to buy their way into public office by all cost. 

During elections, our youths are used as thugs for stealing of ballot boxes and thumbprinting for this same old politicians who have put them in a state of perpetual dependency. Votes are sold at polling units and all sorts of electoral malpractices exhibited. The reason for this is not farfetched. It is as a result of "unresolved economic" issues. People are hungry, jobless, homeless and Frustrated by the system thus available to be used for all sorts of electoral malpractices as long as they get paid even if it jeopardizes their future and that of their unborn children.

These practices have become the bane of our democratic process and is responsible for the crisis of underdevelopment bedeviling our State. Unless the "Economic Issues" are resolved, Nigerian quest for equalitarianism and a prosperous society would continue to be a mirage, dream or mere rhetorics in the mouths of the youths.

WHEN WILL DELTA GOVT WAKE UP TO IT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE LIVES OF EVERY DELTAN SAFE???

I wouldn't have added my voice in the issue of nonavailability of CORONA TESTING KIT(S) in Delta State. But, for the sake of my future generation not to hold me liable of inability to speak in my days have compelled me to do otherwise.

Now, the question is, "is it that our State lacks the fund to procure this medical equipment or do not have the knowledge of where to procure this equipment?" I don't know why by now, we still struggle to send samples of suspected cases to a neighbouring State for analysis and wait for days for results to be sent back? Deltans are terribly worried and displeased.

 Obviously, this is not a good sign that our State is ready to combat and nullify the threat posed by the "CORONA VIRUS." Some quarters of the society believes that the cases recorded in Delta are mere "theatrics of human manipulations." Well, while one can't really go with that line of submission credited to these sets of people, the onus lies on the State Government to clear every doubt about its readiness to fight head-on this pandemic to a logical conclusion without any shadow of doubt or secrecy of operations.

Sentiments apart, how come Edo State a sister's State could have this piece of equipment attending to Delta State and we feel proud to speak about it as government? No, this is height of irresponsibility.

Yes, something is not just right about this whole "episodic drama of shame." Delta State is never among the poorest States in the Federation. And for the State Government not able to acquire this equipment makes a mockery of its readiness to combat this dreaded disease called COVID 19.

The State Government should know that it holds on trust governance to keep the lives of every Deltan safe in whatever circumstance.

Delta State should not be the "feeding bottle" to Edo State in this trying times of COVID 19. The State Government should as a matter of urgency provide within the reach of its medical team "TESTING EQUIPMENT" to aid the works of this medical personnel out there to save lives.

GOD BLESS DELTA STATE!!!

#STAY_SAFE!!!!

HOW DELTA POLITICIANS EMBEZZLED PUBLIC FUNDS MEANT FOR CONSTITUENCIES DEVELOPMENT

It's exactly six (8)months now some notable politicians in Delta state and across the nation has been accused by the immediate past NDDC Interim Management Committee IMC led by Prof. Pondei with embezzlement of funds meant for  development of the area.

The former IMC acted on a demand by the House of Reps to publish name's of it members who are directly or indirectly involved in NDDC contract, the list which have the Delta serving senators and Federal House of Reps member amongst other notable politicians as major beneficiary of NDDC project's 

However, the affected person's has been mute over the issues and none of the name mentioned has approach law Court to seek redress which has continued to generate mixed reactions amongst concerned Deltans asserting that any claims not counter or further counter is deemed as admissible evidence or facts in issues"" 

Our reporter who went round some parts of the state during the weekends reveal that the abandoned NDDC multi million Naira Cottage Hospital, two Staff Quarter Building, Construction of  Road & Drainage Project in Abari Community, Patani LGA of Delta State is yet to take a new face.

This projects were capture in NDDC 2012 budget.. The health facility have over grown weeds and the contractor is yet to return to site till date after allegedly collected over 80% of money meant for the job including mobilization and have since absconded.

It would be recalled that Speaker Gbajabiamila has given the Minister supervising NDDC a 48hr ultimatum to name members of the National Assembly whom the committee accused of collecting contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or be ready to proof his allegations at the law court.

As demanded by the House leadership, Akpabio, through the NDDC in his letter of response had listed the names of contract beneficiaries, but to the consternation of Nigerians, rather than read Akpabio’s response at Plenary, the speaker chose to paraphrase it, concealed the names of contracts beneficiaries, but chose to send the letter to the House Ethics and Priviledge Committee.

However the National Youth Council of Nigeria, armed with the Minister’s response presented the document to the media in Abuja, and expressed disappointment that the Speaker of House of Representatives,  Gbajabiamila, refused to disclose the list of federal lawmakers who benefitted from the contracts awarded by the (NDDC) at plenary.

According to the document, Akpabio listed Nwaoboshi’s name against 53 projects which included, Emergency Repairs of Asue Street, Owa Phase 2, Emergency Repairs of ldumuogbe Road via Ojemaye, Emergency Repairs of Otolokpo College Road, Otololkpo, and Emergency Repairs of Police lshu Ani Ukwu Road, Issele Uku

“They also included Emergency Repairs of old Sapele Agbor Road, Obiaruku, Emergency Repairs of Ehwerhe Obada Road Agbarho Road, Emergency Repairs of Hon. Ifeanyi Eboigbe Street Boji Boji Owa/Goodwill Street, Owa Alero, and Emergency Repairs of Ahiama Okwu to Obuocha Okwu among others.

“Also the Minister listed "Bormadi/Patani reps" Mutu’s name against 74 projects which included various emergency road projects in Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. “Other lawmakers that Akpabio listed projects against are, Senator Mathew Urhoghide (6), James Manager (6), Sam Anyanwu (19), and others simply identified as Ondo and Edo reps,” as contained in the letter.

“All the National Assembly members who benefitted from the contracts without executing them should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to those who may want to follow a similar path. “It is a clear case of organised crime to have individuals who benefitted from illegality now rising to probe the fact that their illegality is being exposed.

Meanwhile, the Delta Youths Council said they were firmly in support of the Forensic Audit as approved by President Mohammadu Buhari to probe the activities of Niger Delta Development Commission since inception, because it had exposed those who had benefitted in the corruption that had festered in the NDDC..