NDM News Xclusive

Friday, September 18, 2020

Delta State Govt Warns Against Indiscriminate Dumping of Waste and Illegal Structures On Walkways In Warri Metropolis

Warri_____ Chairman of the state Environment Taskforce, Honorable Sylvester Oromoni has again warned residents of Warri and Uvwie against illegal dumping of waste particularly on undeveloped plots of land.

Speaking when the Taskforce visited Atamakolomi Street layout Enerhen, where an undeveloped plot of land in the area has been converted to a refuse dump site, the Taskforce Chairman said the condition would no longer be accepted as there was now a provision for proper refuse disposal.

Oromoni explained that every one was supposed to key into the plan of the Government on proper waste disposal noting that private Waste Collectors have been engaged to collect refuse from premises to designated dump sites.

“We cannot allow people to continue as if we are in the old order where they dispose refuse in every empty space they find around them, Oromoni stated.

“Take a look at the kind of refuse people are disposing, most of them are hazardous materials which can cause harm to people and the environment. These are things that need to be properly disposed ', he explained.

He added that people should patronize Private waste collectors who will in turn take the waste to designated places.

“It is supposed to be a win win situation to every one, Oromoni added.

He said if waste disposal is properly done as government envisioned, the environment will be cleaner, the people healthier and employment will be created for a good number of people.

Chairman of the community, Matthew Emeka who expressed displeasure at the unhealthy nature of the plot where people have been dumping refuse illegally said it was because many of those in the area have refused to patronize the private waste collectors and would rather dump their waste on any available space.

He said the visit of the Taskforce will be a turning point for those dumping waste illegally in the area as it will serve as a warning for them to desist and start patronizing the PSP.

The landlords and tenants were therefore advised to avoid this by carrying out checks to prospective tenants to ensure their sites will not be used as part of an illegal waste operation and they should also patronise the private waste collectors

During the visit which was led by Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor Honorable Igho Akpojotor and the State Taskforce Coordinator, Comrade Kingsley Iweka, the people were told to comply with environmental laws and stop illegal waste dumping as marshals have been positioned to apprehend violators.

Honorable Akpojotor warned that anyone caught will be prosecuted and made to pay a huge fine or go to jail.

The Taskforce also noticed that waste water from some homes have been channeled into adjourning streets while toilet effluents were discharging directly into the street.

Most of the toilets were found to have been illegally constructed on walkways.

Owner of such structures were given 14 days abatement notice to stop the nuisance and remove the structures.

Some residents of the area had complained that the sight and stench from the effluents discharged from the toilets was a cause of concern to them as it had the potential of causing an epidemic among children in the area.

The structures also made the road narrow and usually disrupt vehicular movement in the area.

Hurry Up To Grab Your Copy As StarBoy Darlin Gid Tompolo's Freedom Song Hits Record Market Tomorrow Saturday

Francis Tayor

Nigerians is to enjoy the best of good music for bumper entertainment and listening pleasure as one of the fast rising Niger Delta born Nigerian singer and dancer, Darlin Gid sets to release a single debut song titled: "Creekvibe" in honour of the king of Niger Delta freedom fighters cum peace maker, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo (GOC), as he regained freedom at the Federal High Court, Lagos on alleged political motivated and trumped up fraud charges against him by EFCC.

According to the Gbaramantu, Egbema and Olodi-ama ljaw born multi-talented hipop artist, Darlin Gid said the single debut song is dedicated to celebrate Tompolo's freedom cum victory at the Federal High Court Lagos, stressing that the freedom of GOC is everybody's freedom as well as Niger Deltans freedom from oppression and underdevelopment by the Nigerian government.

The PINAZA RECORDS LABEL signed artist Darlin Gid noted that the jarration blend of beat hit single track would be release tomorrow Saturday 19th, September 2020. He therefore, charged his fans all over the globe, especially Niger Deltans to be ready and grab a copy of the original CD plate at any nearby record store across the country for your bumper entertainment as well as listening pleasure, he stated.

However, it would be recalled that, the oil-rich Niger Delta region was on Wednesday July 15th, 2020 thrown into jubilation when Justice Buba Ibrahim led Federal High Court, Lagos discharged and acquitted ex-warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo of all charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Tompolo who is highly respected in the country, especially in the oil rich Niger Delta Region where he has attracted a lot of developmental projects has been at the receiving end of the EFCC with his properties confiscated and some allegedly sold by the Commission.

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday July 15th, 2020 dismissed the entire 40 counts charges bordering on alleged N34bn fraud filed by the Federal Government against Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, a company linked to him.

Tompolo is a very peaceful person and he has the pains of his people and all Nigerians at heart. He has attracted so much attention and development

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Delta Taskforce Evacuates Illegal Refuse Dump Site At Ogbe-Ijoh Market, Monitors Weekly Market Sanitation Exercise

Warri_____ Delta State Taskforce on Environment has today evacuated heap of illegal refuse dump site at the popular Ogbe-ljoh market located in Warri South local government area of the state.

The operation was carried out on the early hours on Thursday 17th September, 2020 during the weekly market sanitation exercise that lasted for three hours, 7:30AM-10:AM.

Speaking during the exercise, the State taskforce Chairman, Evang. Sylvester Oromoni who was represented by the Coordinator Delta South, Comrade Kingsley Iweka and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor of Delta State on Special Duty, Sir. Ighor Akpojotor charged the market women to keep their environment clean at all time, stressing that Gov. Okowa led administration will not tolerate a dirty environment for business.

Hon. Akpojotor stated that, as the flood season is fast approaching, it is ideal we keep our surrounding clean.

According to him, said: " We are not here to hurt you neither to stop you from selling, but to ensure everybody who own shop here obey the weekly market sanitation exercise. For we to achieve stronger Delta, all hands must be on deck to ensure all parts of the state is keep clean and neath for healthy habitation. All we are begging you is to lock up your stores for just 3hours to clean up your business premises. Failure to do that will attract fine and your stores would be locked up for disobeying government directive, he stated."

On his reaction, the Coordinator Delta South, Comrade Kingsley lweka thank Ogbe-ljoh market women for their compliance, noting that the weekly market sanitation exercise was gear towards clean environment for healthy living. He further appreciated the Chairman and the executives of Ogbe-ljoh market for their collaborative effort in making sure the illegal refuse dump site at the market was cleared.

However, the state taskforce used the medium to called on other markets within the city of Warri and its environ to do the same in cleaning up their business premises before the taskforce hold them responsible, the statement adds.

EFCC Saga: FG Approves Establishment Of New Anti-Corruption Agency To Coordinate Recovered Looted Funds

Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has announced that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new anti-corruption agency in the country.

He expressed that the new agency will be saddled with proper coordination of all recovered looted assets.

This was reportedly approved during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Malami who doubles as the Attorney General of the Federation gave reason for the new development.

the AGF expressed that assets recovered have been in the hands of several agencies and that better coordination will encourage international/overall coordination in recovering more looted assets.

Following this explanation, Malami announced that the new anti-corruption agency is named, ‘Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency.

He also revealed that the bill will be transmitted to the National Assembly for lawmakers to pass it into law.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Ogulagha Youths Shutdown SPDC Forcados Tank Farm Over Sack Of 50 Indigenous Workers

Warri________Youths in Ogulagha Community in Burutu local Government area of Delta State has protested against SPDC on what they described as injustice, oppression and deliberate marginalization of their host community Ogulagha and its indigenes over the sack of 50 indigenous workers.

The protest is as result of the indiscriminate displacement of over 50 workers from the community.

The protesters in their large numbers blocked the entrance gate to SPDC forcados Terminal on Tuesday as early as 5:AM, thereby disrupting all oil operations at the tank farm. However, they have promised to continue the protest and shutdown SPDC if they are not call back to work and all their arrears been paid.

Speaking to news men during the protest, the Youth President of Ogulalagha Community, Mr. Anthony Waterwei expressed displeasure on the attitude of SPDC towards indigenous workers. He lamented that SPDC is taking us for granted. Don't employ up to 10% of the MoU the community entered with them.

" It's so painful that my brothers have been at home for over 9 months without salary, they sent our people home and fly in their people"

Imagine SPDC sacking Community workers for no reason. "As I speak to you, over 50 workers from the host Community has been dropped from work and have been seating at home for months"

One of the sacked staff who identify himself as Mr. ThankGod IYaragba narrated that since they were sent home, they have find it difficult to cater for their family. "SPDC doesn't care about our welfare. He stressed that SPDC is marginalizing indigenous workers"

Another protester named Deka Waterwei expressed anger over the ill treatment Community workers have been experiencing from SPDC.

Mr. Deka stated that SPDC sent us home why they fly in their brothers and sisters to occupy all the job chances in Forcados Terminal.

Meanwhile, the protesters called on SPDC and the Delta State Government to do the needful or expect a total shutdown, the statement adds.

Just-ln: Darlin Gid Tompolo's Freedom Song To Hit Record Market On Saturday 19, Urges Fans, Niger Deltans To Grab A Copy

Francis Tayor

Nigerians is to enjoy the best of good music for bumper entertainment and listening pleasure as one of the fast rising Niger Delta born Nigerian singer and dancer, Darlin Gid sets to release a single debut song titled: "Creekvibe" in honour of the king of Niger Delta freedom fighters cum peace maker, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo (GOC), as he regained freedom through the Federal High Court, Lagos on alleged trump up fraud charges against him by EFCC.

The PINAZA RECORDS LABEL signed artist Darlin Gid noted that the jarration blend of beat hit single track would be released on Saturday 19th, September 2020 this weekend. He therefore, charged his fans all over the globe, especially Niger Deltans to be ready and grab a copy of the original CD plate at any nearby record store in the country for a bumper entertainment as well as listening pleasure, he stated.

Tompolo is a very peaceful person and he has the pains of his people and all Nigerians at heart. He has attracted so much attention and development to the Niger Delta Region. The people of Niger Delta are very proud of him because Tompolo and others had been in the forefront of the agitation for the development of the region.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Dr. Akpo Onduku Pays A Glowing Tribute To Former lNC President, Late Prof. Kimse Okoko

.... Narrates Three Defining Moments He Had with The Emeritus Professor

Late Prof. Kimse Okoko died at age 80 this past Sunday. He was an Emeritus Professor of Political Science with the University of Port Harcourt. Among other things, Professor Okoko served as Pro-Chancellor of University of Uyo and the Niger Delta University in Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

My first special encounter with him was at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Warri, Nigeria. This should be around 1997. He was undertaking a sabbatical assignment while I was engaged on a postgraduate research on oil companies and community relations. He was quick and willing to assist my research by directing me to appropriate data. I later concluded my research at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos.

My second special encounter was at his office in the Department of Political Science and Administration Studies, University of Port Harcourt. This should be around 1998. I had gone there to pick up a doctoral application form. Again, he was very helpful. After a tour of the faculty, I opted back to my alma mater, which was University of Benin, to enrol for international relations.

My third special encounter was in his hotel room in New Jersey, USA in 2006 after a Niger Delta Summit. By this time, I was residing in Miami, Florida where I had completed a degree in International Human Rights Law after my doctorate in the United Kingdom. He was interested in my coming over to join the faculty of the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State. He requested for my CV and next was a request from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ikporukpo. This indicated that he had forwarded my CV to the Vice Chancellor for employment. This to me was a rare honour. I had a choice of another university, a private university in Lagos acclaimed to be the best citadel of learning in the country. By this time, I had been contacted and interviewed by a Panel of the university including the Vice Chancellor, Professor A. Obayan, the Registrar, the Dean and the Head of the Department of International Studies of Covenant University in Ota, Lagos. We had agreed for a telephone interview since I was based in the United States and it was professionally conducted.

So, when I finally considered jumping on the plane to Nigeria, it was quite a dilemma for me to consider Covenant University or Niger Delta University. I did get to meet Professor Ikporukpo in February 2008 at the Niger Delta University and the necessary applications were made. On that day, I remember meeting a friend, Professor Augustine Ikein of Delaware State University, USA in the VC’s office and we drove together in his hired car to Port Harcourt after our activities on the working day. Professor Ikein had published one of my articles as a chapter in his book ‘Oil, Democracy and the Promise of True Federalism in Nigeria’.

This was co-authored with D. S.P. Alamieyeseigha and Steve Azaiki in 2006.

Thank God for the pastoral calling that came top in my considerations. In all, the late Professor Kimse Okoko was a good man. When I heard of his son’s death earlier this year, I was grieved. May God’s grace and peace abound onto the entire family in Jesus name.

Pastor Akpo Onduku, PhD.

Bradford, UK.