News
Community Protests Oil Spill At Shell Manifold
Residents of Ogale Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a peaceful protest over a fresh oil spill at a manifold operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC).
The oil spill, which occurred two weeks ago, has been acknowledged by the multinational company, which stated that the incident happened while its personnel were flushing oil from a server pit in the manifold.
Dressed in black attire, the protesters carried placards and banners with messages such as “Shell has poisoned our groundwater,” “Declare a state of emergency on the environment of Ogale,” and “Justice for Ogale: Ending the scourge of oil spills.”
Women were seen crying as they sat on the bare ground, expressing their frustration over the repeated environmental damage.
Speaking during the protest, the community’s youth president, Comrade Noble Worlu, decried the frequent spills and their devastating effects on residents.
“We have suffered enough in the hands of Shell, that’s why you can see the mammoth crowd here today,” he said.
“Nobody went to the farm, nobody went to the market, all shops are closed. We are dying of strange illnesses, and we suffer spills on a monthly basis.”
Worlu further demanded compensation for the community, a comprehensive health audit to assess the impact of pollution, and access to clean drinking water.
Chief (Mrs) Igwe Benjamin Ngajima, a female traditional ruler in the community, highlighted the effect of the spills on agriculture.
“You cannot get a bag of cassava from an acre of land in this community,” she said. “Our cowpeas, cocoyam, and other crops are no longer growing properly. Years of pollution have caused us strange illnesses, and our women are suffering from infertility.”
She called on Shell to either remediate the environment and compensate residents adequately or vacate the land.
Controversial social media commentator, Mr. Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and will be released upon meeting the required bail conditions.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the arrest stemmed from multiple petitions received against the social media figure, alleging involvement in financial misconduct.
This information was shared by the EFCC on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, where the commission elaborated on the grounds for the arrest.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in fulfilling its mandate to combat economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse due to a series of petitions concerning various allegations of financial offenses against him,” stated the EFCC.
The agency further noted that Otse failed to respond to several invitations sent to him at his known addresses and through other communication channels.
The EFCC emphasized that the petitions involve serious accusations of financial wrongdoing that warrant attention.
“It is important to acknowledge that the Commission is aware of the numerous unrestrained criticisms directed at its operations by the suspect. While such behavior is regrettable, his arrest was not motivated by these criticisms. The appropriate law enforcement agencies will investigate these matters,” the EFCC clarified.
In executing the arrest and subsequent detention, the commission confirmed that it obtained the necessary remand order. It stated, “He has been granted administrative bail and will be released once all bail conditions are satisfied.”
The EFCC appreciates the public’s interest in its operations and welcomes the enthusiasm and varied reactions to its activities.
“However, speculations regarding the motives behind our actions should cease. The EFCC must be allowed to perform its duties impartially. Charges will be filed as soon as investigations are concluded,” the Commission stated.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A Northern-based civic group, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), has alleged that Zamfara state government has released over two billion naira (N2bn) aimed at smearing the good image of the Minister of state, Ministry of Defence, Bello Matawalle, whom is considered as a political threat to the reelection of Dauda Lawal, the state governor.
Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, Chairman/Convener,
Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), while briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday had on Monday in a press briefing described as the deliberate deelay by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, despite multiple petitions and earlier commitments by the agency.
Muhammad said, “l wish to call on the general public to disregard such press conferences that may be addressed in the coming days, as it was gathered that the Zamfara State Government has allegedly released over two billion Naira for that purposes, all which is aimed at smearing the good image of the defence Minister whom he consider as a political threat to his reelection bid.”
He added, “I wish to unequivocally state that, I was misled by the information presented to me, and the content of the press text was blown out of proportion, a political witch hunt, deliberately orchestrated and propagated by the opposition who are envious of the Minister’s achievements, therefore dedicated to not only distracting him from diligently discharging his duties but also smearing his most respected and highly esteemed personality.”
According to him, it is on record that Bello Matawalle served Zamfara State well with an unprecedented level of success, unwavering dedication, and loyalty to his people, stressing that his achievements have resonated in all sectors, from security, infrastructure, health, economy, and education.
He stated that the former governor oversaw the commencement of the construction of a new airport, a crucial step towards economic growth and improved connectivity for the state, construction of roads, and improved the state’s water system.
He explained that Matawalle made significant strides in security infrastructure by purchasing over 200 Hilux vehicles and ambulances and installing solar-powered street lights in the state capital.
Muhammad stated that the healthcare sector in Zamfara state also saw substantial investments, with the construction of special primary healthcare centers in all 147 wards in the states, general hospitals, and primary healthcare centers.
The administration of Bello Matawalle, he noted also settled backlogs of payments for NECO and WAEC examinations and focused on technology by establishing a Digital World ICT Center and a Command and Control Room in Gusau, thereby contributing to the economic development of the State.
At least, six persons have been confirmed dead when gunmen, in renewed attacks, stormed Marit and Gashish communities of Barkin Ladi local government council of Plateau State on Monday.
Our correspondent reports that the gunmen stormed the communities and started shooting sporadically, leaving several others with injuries.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Barki Ladi local government area, Hon. Stephen Gyang, through the LG’s information officer, Mercy Yop Chuwang, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
Gyang vehemently condemned the attacks that resulted in the loss of six innocent lives at Marit Village and Gashish District.
The Chairman who also visited the injured persons at the Barki Ladi General Hospital, expressed profound sadness and disappointment over the resurgence of violence in the area at a time the Council is working tirelessly to promote peace and stability.
He acknowledged the efforts of vigilantes and security agencies in maintaining law and order and urged them to be more proactive and vigilant in preventing further attacks.
Gyang also emphasised that the cycle of violence must be brought to an end and called on all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and residents to join hands in promoting peace and security in Barkin Ladi.
He prayed for God’s comfort and peace for the families of the deceased and communities affected by the attack while he admonished the healthcare personnel to urgently attend to the health needs of the survivors of the attack.