News
Niger Delta youth call for creation of oil-Producing areas development commission in Akwa Ibom, others
The Niger Delta Youth Parliament (NDYP) has demanded the establishment of an Oil-Producing Development Commission in Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa state, and Rivers state, respectively.
During its Special Plenary Session, NDYP made a clarion call to the Governments of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to immediately establish a development commission for the oil-producing communities in their respective states. This is intended to enable them to benefit from the 13% derivation that accrues to the states for the purpose of rapid development.
NDYP has prayed that the Federal Government mandate the affected states to immediately establish the Oil-Producing Development Commission for the benefit of the people.
“The Federal Government should halt the payment of the 13% Oil derivative to the affected states until the said commission is established.
“The Parliament should constitute an Ad-hoc Committee to interface with the Federal Government and the affected state Governments.”
In a statement issued by its speaker, Rt. Hon. Ifon Daniel Samuel, a critical assessment and oversight of the condition of the various oil-bearing and producing communities have shown the deplorable state and absence of basic amenities needed for conducive living in these communities.
“It is pitiable that a region so blessed by God, with funds released for the purpose of taking care of the communities, has seen no action taken to address the developmental challenges in these various communities.
“I charge the Governors and State Assemblies of the Affected States to commence the process of establishing the Oil Producing Communities Development Commission without further delay.
“This commission has already been established in other oil-producing states such as Ondo, Delta, Imo, Edo, and Abia State. It is fulfilling its purpose. Therefore, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and River State, being among the topmost oil-producing states in Nigeria, should not be an exception to this visible reality and the benefits it will bring to the oil-producing communities.
“These oil-producing communities and local governments hold vast amounts of oil minerals and gas, hosting a variety of petroleum facilities and installations including wellheads, pipelines, rigs, marginal fields, storage tanks, offshore and onshore acreages, production and export terminals, among others.
“A visit to these communities will reveal the dire state of extreme deprivation of common and basic amenities. Despite their contribution to the growth and sustainability of the Nigerian economy, they lack these amenities.
“It would be an act of wickedness, insensitivity, and inhumanity for the state governments to refuse to establish these commissions—AISOPADEC, BASOPADEC, and RISOPADEC—even when there is clear evidence of environmental degradation and a lack of basic amenities in the host communities due to the activities of oil companies.
“It is extremely worrisome that since the Federal Government began implementing the 13 per cent derivation as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, a few states in the region have failed to establish a commission to oversee the development of oil-producing and impacted communities in the state.
“It is important to note that the persistent agitation for 50 per cent derivation by critical stakeholders compelled the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to initiate the payment of the 13 per cent derivation originally intended for the host communities to state governments in the Niger Delta.
“I strongly believe that the establishment of the commission will resolve the ongoing conflicts between host communities and oil companies. This commission will be readily available to address the developmental deficits in the various oil-producing communities and usher in a new era of steady power supply, quality school facilities, improved roads, human capital development, and more,” the statement read.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.