Opinion
The Tragedy In Rivers State: A Missed Opportunity For Akpabio to Intervene
After a period of relative silence, I am compelled to address the recent tragedy that unfolded in Rivers State, prompting me to speak out once again.
During my online vigil with a particular church, I came across a distressing video on WhatsApp. In the video, a young man, his voice filled with pain and desperation, called out to the Governor of the State for help as vehicles, both commercial and private, went up in flames.
The incident occurred around 8:45 pm on a Friday, leaving behind a scene of devastation – charred remains of people, vehicles, and goods. Tragically, more than five individuals, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in the blaze. Over 100 vehicles were consumed by fire, with many others sustaining injuries and requiring hospitalization. The scale of the loss is truly staggering.
Among the victims were individuals on their way to or from funerals, social gatherings, or work, as well as those eagerly anticipating payment for goods and services. Some may have narrowly avoided the tragedy if they had listened to their instincts and chosen not to embark on that ill-fated journey.
This was an unforeseen accident, yet one that could have been prevented. The drivers of the two utility vehicles involved had the opportunity to exercise patience and avert the catastrophe. It is regrettable that such a tragedy occurred, especially given the potential for intervention that was missed.
As we mourn the lives lost and the extensive damage caused, it is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsible behavior on the roads. Let us strive to prevent such senseless loss in the future.
While everyone blames the drivers of the truck ladened with PMS and the one that carried Cows from the North, many have not asked why the road that leads in and out of the soon-to-be ready NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery; Eleme Petrochemicals and Indorama Company should be in such a deplorable state.
What about the Onne Sea Port even though it’s yet to operate at maximum capacity? A Trunk, a road popularly known as “East-West” Road in the oil and gas rich Niger Delta region. Yes, it’s the same road that leads to the Bonny-Bodo road, to the commercial city of Bonny that houses the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company. It’s the shortest route to Akwa Ibom and Cross River States through Rivers State. This is the road that has been left yearning for completion since the beginning of Democracy in 1999. The road links the nine South South States in the Niger Delta which produces oil and gas, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.
How could such an important road descend into such a deplorable state? The oil and gas industry, the cornerstone of the Nigerian economy, stands as a crucial sector deeply intertwined with the nation’s prosperity. Yet, the goose that lays the golden egg is left in the dark.
I am particularly incensed by this tragedy, where blame must be redirected from the desperate and helpless drivers and commuters to the successive governments that have failed the people. Sometime in 2019, an NGO founded by me, Citizens Quest For Truth Initiative had a embarked on a Citizens Advocacy to ascertain the level of under development of the Niger Delta region despite the billions pilloried through the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) and the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs ( MNDA). Our advocacy led us to the uncompleted section of the East West Road, from Bayelsa to Cross River State. We found out that the three multinational construction companies responsible for the project were being owed so much for several years and that slowed down construction works as they all pulled out of site. It was SETRACO for the Bayelsa to Eleme junction of the road, RCC for the Eleme-Akwa Ibom section while GITTO was handling the Cross River section which at the time was the worst of the three sections.
Without boring readers with the contract details and figures, I am going to speak on the politics that led to the tragedy which we just witnessed. Space and time may not permit for a detailed piece but I will expose the unseen hands that frustrated the efforts of the then Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio in completing the Eleme-Aleto section of the road where the carnage occurred.
Following a series of deliberations, the President issued an order for the project, which had been transferred to the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), to be returned to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA). The MNDA had successfully completed the Edo/Delta sections of the road.The road was redesigned from the initially approved 4 lanes to 6 lanes in order to better accommodate the significant volume and type of heavy traffic, especially on the Aleto bridge. Akpabio had foreseen the impending tragedy several years before it tragically unfolded.Unbeknownst to those intent on thwarting his efforts, Akpabio had secured an interest-free loan of about 10 billion Naira through the SUKUK Bond. Despite his proactive measures, he found himself entangled in a political quagmire that ultimately led him to transfer the project to the Ministry of Works as demanded by his critics at the presidential villa, reportedly under the directive of President Buhari.
As the saying goes, “the internet never forgets.” I have brought to light what many may not be aware of or may intentionally overlook. It is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds accountable those who are truly responsible for this senseless destruction and irreparable loss.
Written by Christie Oby Ndukwe
President/ Founder
Citizens Quest For Truth Initiative
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.