Author: Our Correspondent

By Ogenyi Ogenyi

Poicy Alert, an NGO working to promote economic and ecological justice in West Africa, has applauded the decision of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to reject Shell’s proposed asset sale to the Renaissance Group.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, spoke in Abuja on the sidelines of the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta, organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Social Action.

Highlight of the Conference was the unveiling of the report, “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria” by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission.

According to Akpan, “the environmental genocide in Bayelsa State as documented in the report being unveiled today calls for urgent national and international attention.

“The report is an indictment on the oil multinationals, especially Shell and its subsidiaries who have had the largest footprint in the toxic social and ecological legacy that extraction has left on Bayelsa State” Bolton-Akpan told journalists at the event.

“The report also lends weight to our calls for stringent oversight and stronger safeguards for communities and the environment in the face of rampant sale of assets by multinational oil corporations. That is why we must commend the recent decision of NUPRC to reject Shell’s proposed sale of its offshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to Renaissance Group.

“Approving the transaction would have amounted to an injustice to the oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and elsewhere that have suffered immeasurable harms from Shell’s oil and gas operations for more than six decades.”

He further urged the nation’s upstream regulator to allow a comprehensive, independent third-party review of the recently approved ExxonMobil-Seplat divestment deal.

“The Bayelsa situation also brings into bold relief the huge surface area of oil-induced social and ecological devastation across the Niger Delta. We therefore express deep concern over the recent approval of the ExxonMobil-Seplat divestment deal.

“Oil multinationals cannot be allowed to continue evading responsibility for the ecological and social injustices inflicted upon our communities and the environment.

*The preconditions for the transfer of assets must go beyond financial capability. Addressing legacy harms on local communities and the environment as well as responsible decommissioning and abandonment must be prioritised.”

“The Nigerian state and international stakeholders must rise to the urgent challenge of cleaning up Bayelsa. We also take this opportunity to call for a comprehensive, independent third-party review of all recent divestment decisions affecting Bayelsa and other parts of the Niger Delta.

“We must ensure that the responsibility to address legacy grievances, including restoration of social and ecological damage caused by the seller entities, are not transferred to incapable buyers who will only end up worsening an already terrible situation.” Akpan concluded.

by Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi.

A cholera outbreak in Kebbi State has tragically claimed the lives of 24 individuals, with 875 cases reported across ten local government areas.

The Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, Abubakar Bagudu Muhammad, addressed the media regarding the alarming situation, highlighting that Suru local government area alone accounts for 13 of the recorded fatalities.

Muhammad attributed the outbreak to a combination of factors, including inadequate environmental sanitation, flooding, limited access to clean water, and open defecation.

In response to the escalating crisis, the state government is implementing a series of measures to combat the spread of the disease.

To bolster efforts, the Ministry of Health is actively training clinical personnel to prepare for potential future outbreaks.

Additionally, the government said it has mobilized essential resources and financial support, collaborating with donor agencies such as WHO, SAN Frontier, and UNICEF to ensure that victims receive adequate medical care.

In a bid to enhance public awareness, the state government is also partnering with traditional and religious leaders, as well as local healers, to educate the community on preventive measures against cholera.

These initiatives aim to curb the outbreak and protect the health of residents in Kebbi State.

By Achadu Gabriel, KADUNA

Apparently acknowledging the faulty leadership recruitment processes in Nigeria, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has suggested adopting the Chinese model for leadership selection in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 24th National Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers held recently at the Nigerian Society of Engineers headquarters in Abuja, Zulum emphasised the need for a more structured and merit-based approach to election into leadership positions at all levels.

The governor, in a statement by SSA on new media Abdurrahman Bundi Sunday, argued that if properly utilised, Nigeria could benefit greatly from the Chinese Model.

“I am always referring to the election system in China. In China, they do selection versus election. First, they will identify credible leaders with proven integrities based on past records.

“They evaluate the potential of all those who have been in a public office over a period of time; then, they select the best. After that, they subject the best for election,” Zulum said.

Governor Zulum also called on Nigerians to, while advocating for good leadership, be committed to becoming good followers who always promote effective governance in the country.

“Our problem here in Nigeria is not only about the leadership but also followership. I believe we need to shift our focus to two critical components rather than one: leadership as well as the followership.

“I strongly believe there will be no meaningful achievements without good leadership. However, followership is equally important, so as much as we need good leaders, we also need good citizens who can distinguish between their right and left.

Zulum emphasised the role of technology in transforming agricultural practice to enhance food production and ensure its sustainability in Nigeria.

The governor said, “As we gather here, we recognise the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing our country. I believe that this conference offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaboration and explore the potential of emerging technologies to revolutionise agriculture.

Zulum also said, “By harnessing the power of technology such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, among others, we can develop sustainable and resilient food systems to meet the needs of the growing population while protecting our natural resources”.

The Governor was accompanied to the event by the APC Chairman, Borno State, Hon Bello Ayuba, a Member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai constituency at the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, Elder Statesman, Musa Inuwa Kubo, and the Commissioner of Budget and Planning Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe.

By Kumo Amgbere

The leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has assured the South-South geo- political zone and all Nigerians in general that, at the end of the assignment of the High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee that has been set up to mediate and resolve the lingering crisis in the area, all vexing issues would be resolved.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini,
the National Spokesman,Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and made available to Daybreak Nigeria.

Recall that the Pan Niger Delta Forum at its Special General Assembly held at Port Harcourt on 24th October 2024, constituted a high level Peace and Reconciliation Committee headed by
former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Obong Victor Attah, who is also Co-Chairman, PANDEF BoT, to examine the crisis in Rivers state and other parts of the Niger Delta with a view to finding lasting solution to them.

PANDEF which has dipomat and scholar, Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali as the new National Chairman is promising that the Committee will mediate on and resolve all lingering political crisis in various states of the South-South geopolitical zone.

Other members of the High level Peace and Reconciliation Committee are Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien (Akwa-Ibom and immediate past national chairman, PANDEF); former Senate Whip, Senator Rowland Owie; Senator Stella Omu (Delta); former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah; former military Governor of Kwara State, H. E. Pam Ogar (Cross-River); and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu (Bayelsa).

PANDEF, therefore called on government at all levels, individuals and organizations to work in unison with it to achieving the target of bringing lasting peace to the Niger Delta, promising that no stone will be left unturned, and all partie would be given listening ears to underpin the remote and immediate causes of the crisis and at the end of the assignment,
“we shall all sing “Niger Delta Region, we hail thee, our own dear native land”, though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand”. The statement noted

Alleges gross incompetence, negligence, blatant disregard for region’s welfare

Warns of massive street protest in Abuja

By our correspondent

In a scathing indictment, furious Niger Delta youths, under the guise of Nigeria’s Unemployed Youths Association (UYAN), has called for the swift and unceremonious removal of Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr. Sam Ogbuku.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna State, after a tense town hall meeting with South-South representatives in Sabon Tasha Kaduna, the National President of UYAN, Ebi Clifford Zuofa lambasted the NDDC boss for gross incompetence, negligence, and blatant disregard for the region’s welfare.

“Ogbuku must go”!, Zuofa said, condemning the NDDC’s catastrophic failure to address Niger Delta’s crippling poverty, rampant corruption, and staggering underdevelopment.

Mr. Zuofa, said that UYAN is concerned that since Ogbuku the NNDC boss was appointed, Niger Delta have not experienced any form of development nor has the commission reduced the high rate of joblessness in the region

UYAN also made a shocking statistical revealation on Niger Deltans desperate plight in that directions.

The UYAN President who said his group was in Kaduna to gauge the pulse of Nigerians from the North noted that the North and South- South share certain peculiarities.

He noted that just like in the North, 87 percent of Nigeria’s poor people are in the Niger Niger Delta

Comrade Zuofa also noted that the South-South region has the second-highest out-of-school children in the country after the North

“Up on that, there is endemic corruption devouring resources the Niger Delta region as can be seen in the NDDC.

“We are in the North today to meet unemployed youths from the region and to see what we can do to help further the cause of unemployed Nigerians .

“The youths in the South South of Nigeria which is also referred to as the Niger Delta region is suffering similar economic deprivation like what is being witnessed in the North, Zuofa”, he said.

Fielding questions from journalists, Secretary General of the group and also the Coordinator of the South- South region, Comrade Peter Ochuko stated that: “We are warning of massive protest in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country if the Federal Government does not remove Sam Ogbuku as the head of the NDDC

“Even by the NDDC Act,the tenure of Ogbuku who is a Bayelsan has expired, Delta State is supposed to produce the next NDDC boss.

He also warned that the group will soon link up with other groups in the North in order to ensure that the Federal Government does the right thing by providing conducive environment which would ensure employment opportunities for Nigerians

The National President, Ebi Zuofa, was accompanied by Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Delta State Coordinator, Amadoma God-help Bayelsa State Coordinator, Osaruchi Rosamund Idumesaro. Rivers state Coordinator, Honesty Asemota, Edo state Coordinator,
Akpakip Okon, Akwa Ibom state Coordinator, and Blessing Okosun, Cross Rivers state Coordinator respectively, in Kaduna.

By our correspondent, Kaduna

A Group, under the auspices of Coalition For Justice and Good Governance ( CJGG), has raised concerns about what they described as the reasons why desperate politicians are witch-haunting the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Shizzer Bada.

According to the Coalition, Shizzee Baba, whose contribution in making Kaduna State great, is unmatchable

The Coalition’s reaction statement signed by Comrade Garba Aliyu followed reports in some media circle, alleging that the Commissioner of finance, Shizzer Bada has been suspended along with two other appointees.

The group expressed dismay that Shizzer Baba, had, over the years faced media trials, untold attacks, and blackmails by the desperate politicians eyeing her office, describing it as unfortunate.

In the statement in Kaduna weekend, the group stressed that “We are aware of a sinister move a long time ago to remove Hon. Shizzer Bada and Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the only two Southern Kaduna occupying sensitive positions in the cabinet of Governor Uba Sani.

“Defiant and determined, the forces against the Hon. Commissioners, are not unfamiliar. Anyone who knows Hon. Shizzer, particularly, fairly enough, will always scoff at the many nonsenses so far alleged against her name.

“These false narratives have only fed the starving political hawks who are desperate to ensure she’s completely removed from office.

“Bada, initiated measures where Kaduna State Government was able to achieve over hundred percent revenue generation performance in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with over N50 billion, aside from the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) taxation, which has earned her commendations and awards.

“Bada is a progressive leader who believes in using technology to promote transparency and accountability”, it stated, adding she has been a victim of media attacks sponsored by political cowards. “A strong woman who believes in good”, they noted.

CJGG also added that “Her (Baba) leadership was marked by example and excellence which has been judged without trial as Kaduna has slain one of its best”.

“This is the first time in the history of the State, that the Ministry generated such a colossal of funds.

“Again, Her innovation was able to make Kaduna State save over N16 billion from 2015 to date to clear pensioners’ arrears under the Pension Sinking Fund from the State and the 23 Local Government Areas.

“Kaduna State was ranked 1st in the 2019 ICAN Accountability Index (AI Index) published in 2020, because of her financial prowess.

“Instead of commendation and prayers, what she’s facing is constant attacks against her personality.

“The constant attacks on Shizzer is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine her integrity and wealth of expertise toward the progress of the State and to create an environment conducive to corruption and injustice.

“Unfortunately, all the accusations meted against her are unfounded and are lacking in concrete evidences”, the group stated.

It continue that “We understand that the blatant intimidation tactics are being sponsored by those who want her to compromise her office to create an environment where corruption thrives and the rule of law is disregarded.

“Some of the elements which are within the system sponsoring this campaign of calumny are not unfamiliar, and in no distance time, we’ll not hesitate to disclose their identity.

“It is on record that these sour politicians have made several attempts to bring Mrs Bada to dishonor, stressing their aim to smear, discredit, and shame her so they can pull off their evil intent.

“Governor Uba Sani must not fall for their gimmicks, and he must be seen protecting his appointees who are working hard to make Kaduna great.

“The culture of demonizing people in sensitive political offices to make others feel good is a fiendish ideology that everyone must rise in unison against because it is evil to our collective growth as people”, it stated. End.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Former President of Nigeria Bar Association, J.B. Daudu (SAN)
has lend his expertise knowledge on the prosecution, detention and arraignment of alleged minors and children moved from Kano to Abuja for protesting against bad governance

Barr. J B Daudu, SAN, in a protest statement on Saturday averred that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has no locus to charge any of the young men saw in the dock for any offence committed during the #end bad governance protests within the territory of their respective States.

He however explained that “The only thing obscene about the Federal High Court proceedings in Abuja “yesterday” is the nature of the charge, which is allegedly treason”.

According to him, “Minors, and that is if they are less than 16 years are usually treated as adults when they are found committing crimes. So had they been charged for the right offences in the territory of the States where they allegedly misconducted themselves, I would have had no problems”.

He maintained that, “For me the highest offences that they could have been charged for are ‘conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace’ ‘unlawful assembly’ ‘willful destruction of public property’ ‘theft’ otherwise known in the South of Nigeria as ‘Stealing’ and other offences of like nature i.e., ‘Affray’, which are not only State Offences but bailable offences.

“Thus, the Attorney General of the Federation has no locus to charge any of the young men we saw in the dock for any offence committed during the #end bad governance riots within the territory of their respective States.

“It is a complete caricature of the Federalism that we claim to operate in Nigeria, where State Governments abdicate their responsibilities to the Federal Government and turn a blind eye to the pillaging of the rights of their citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there was nothing treasonable in the conduct of these children or young men as discernible from the charge and if our systems were working they could easily have been charged for the offences mentioned above in Juvenile or Magistrate Courts, within the territory of the States where it is alleged they committed those riot induced offences.

“One point is clear here, which appears to have been glossed over by a lot of us is that the defendants be they children or adults have already spent over 3 months in very dehumanizing detention conditions.

“This is very inhumane and a breach of their fundamental rights. It is my view that even if they committed the offences they are being accused of, (certainly not Treason) the maximum sentences that could have been handed down should have been reasonable fines and in serious cases, imprisonment not exceeding 3 months in the proximate correctional facility or borstal institution.

“Federal Government intervention typified by this unwarranted movement to Abuja was totally unnecessary and a failure of our systems. We rightly ought to feel a collective sense of guilt and shame.

“I call on FGN to discontinue these charges and release all those charged for these State offences, with adequate rehabilitative compensation paid to them.

“One last point is to interrogate the sense of responsibility of those who had custody of these young men since they were arrested and incarcerated three months ago. What happened to the monies voted for taking care of them whilst in custody? Did any of them die in custody?
“These to me are the points to interrogate. If FGN or the President is serving Nigerians, there ought to be a multi-departmental inquiry into this matter.

“The whole saga seriously questions our ability to govern ourselves as an independent nation. Thus, it is not always about aspiring to be named to the Security Council of the United Nations, it is about whether we are a civilized nation worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with other responsible nations whose systems work.

“It is also not about throwing palliatives and food rations to us as solutions to clear existential problems of insecurity. There is much work to do ahead. It is time to re-engineer Nigeria”, it stated.

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of Zion Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND, has hailed the decision of the court affirming Mr. Chiedu Ebie, as Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

A statement issued at the weekend by the National Legal Adviser, MOSIEND, Afoegba Peter Goodyear, stated that “On behalf of the teeming members of Movement For The Survival Of The Izon Ethnic Nationality In The Niger Delta (MOSIEND), I commend the judgement affirming Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

I also commend the Judiciary for a sound and well-thought judgement. I want to say that the judgement is clearly predictable relying on the outers clauses created by Section 24 (1) and (2) of the NDDC Act.

The statement also noted that “I implore you Sir, to see this legal hurdle as an effort to push and stretch the frontiers of the law regarding the appointment of the Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and nothing more.

I encourage every Niger Deltan to be his brothers keeper in whatever we do.

As brothers, it is now in your duty to carry every Niger Deltan along as you remain the substantive Chairman of the Commission. I also use this opportunity to implore you to carry along your Ijaw brothers, particularly those of Delta State extraction, who are under your direct watch.

I also commend you for the cordial relationship among Board members and the great strides recorded by the Commission since the constitution of the present Board. Enjoy divine insights in office.

By Joyce Babayeju

In a bid to strengthen advocacy against corruption and financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is exploring a potential partnership with the Association of Movie Producers (AMP). This collaboration aims to leverage film and creative content to promote anti-corruption messages and enhance public awareness of the commission’s mission.

The proposal was discussed during a courtesy visit by AMP National President, Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, accompanied by FTC Chapter AMP members, including Dr. Chris Oge Kalu (Chairman of the Abuja Chapter), Desmond Utomwen (Publicity Secretary), former Chairman Amb. Imaobong Abia, and National member Barbara Odoh. The delegation was received by EFCC Secretary Muhammad Hammajoda on behalf of the Chairman, along with EFCC officials, including Deputy Director/Head of EFCC Radio, Nwanyinma Okeanu, Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale, Chris Oluka, and Ola Oji.

Dr. Ebigieson underscored the importance of AMP and EFCC collaborating to bring anti-corruption messaging to a broader audience. She emphasized the need for training opportunities for AMP members to ensure that films carry the right messages and accurately reflect EFCC’s work, fostering a deeper understanding among the public.

Dr Ebigieson added that as the premier association in Nollywood, with over 10,000 members across 28 state chapters, including the FCT and diaspora, AMP represents, protects, and promotes the interests of the entire producing team in film, television, and news media. Registered over 27 years ago, the association is committed to upholding core values that benefit the industry as a whole.

Muhammad Hammajoda welcomed the proposed partnership, noting that with about 4,500 EFCC staff responsible for fighting financial crimes in a nation of over 200 million people, the collaboration could be instrumental in scaling up the reach of anti-corruption campaigns. He remarked that foreign media often paint a negative image of Nigeria, and by working with film producers, the EFCC hopes to shift this narrative and enhance the country’s reputation. Although the EFCC’s budget for strategic advocacy may be limited, Joda confirmed the commission’s willingness to explore partnership opportunities with AMP.

This potential alliance between the EFCC and AMP highlights the growing recognition of creative media’s power in shaping public perception and addressing social issues. It could provide a significant boost to national efforts in combating financial crime and corruption. The planned collaboration was given a boost with the Commission instantly decorating Dr. Ebigieson as an EFCC anti corruption Ambassador.