Keep to your concession agreement or stop investing, Amaechi WARNS LADOL

As the cold war between LADOL, Lagos and INTEL, Port Harcourt deepens, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has warned LADOL Integrated Free Zone Enterprise to henceforth maintain strict compliance with Presidential Directive that all oil and gas cargoes be handled at Onne, Warri and Calabar ports by INTELS.

Addressing terminal operators and key maritime stakeholders in Lagos, the minister argued that INTELS had a concession agreement with the Federal Government to handle oil and gas cargoes and this cannot be changed suddenly unless the agreement expires.
Daily Champion recalls that the INTEL prevailing contract has not ended and experts argue that no matter the extent of investments made by LADOL, no law or concession agreement in Nigeria empowers it to handle matters relating to oil and gas especially midstream discharges of cargoes.
Accordingly, Amaechi stressed that no amount of investment in the LADOL facility will change the law empowering it to operate within the Free Zone.
It would be recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2015 issued a directive that all oil and gas cargo should be handled at designated terminals. The directive came just as the National Assembly forwarded the bill to amend the Oil and Gas Free Zone Act to the president for assent.
The two efforts irked some stakeholders in the maritime industry who saw the moves as a ploy to put them out of business and to create an empire for a few stakeholders.
Giving more explanations on the matter in Lagos, Amaechi maintained that the concession agreement is that INTELS should handle oil and gas cargoes and this must be upheld until the concession agreement is reviewed.
According to him, ‎”When government entered into agreement with INTELS, they gave them license to handle oil and gas cargoes, so why then do you take away oil and gas cargoes from where the agreement says to somewhere else?‎ It is because the matter is in court that is delaying me, if not, I won’t support LADOL” “If indeed there was such agreement that all oil and gas cargoes should be brought to Warri, Onne and Calabar, then it would be wrong to take part of somebody’s job‎ and give it to another person” Amaechi said.
But in her response to minister’s position, Managing Director of LADOL; Mrs Emmy Jadesinmi‎ argued that there had been a presidential directive of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umar Yar’ adua cancelling the diversion of all oil and gas cargoes to the eastern ports. She argued that diverting oil and gas cargoes to Eastern ports would create monopoly and lack of level playing field for foreign investors.
But analtsys wonders if the directives by Obasanjo and yar’Adua administration will over rule the most recent from the immediate former President, Goodluck Jonathan.
However, Jadesinmi stressed that LADOL has invested over US $500million into its facilities around the Snake Island in Apapa Lagos, arguing further that ‎‎”Our agreement with NPA clearly states that we are to develop a deep offshore logistics base”.
“We have invested 500million dollars and I believe the outcome of that investment is going to create 50,000 jobs in Nigeria”.
“We are the single largest investor on NPA facility in the whole of Nigeria, we are simply asking for our agreement to be respected and be respected as a free zone.” she pleaded.
But in a quick swipe, the Minister said that it could be best if the company stops it’s further investment pending when the case is fully decided.
“I understand how challenging it is for you if we just say stop (investing), but the earlier they (LADOL) understand that agreements made must be respected the better for all of us” “Certainty is the most important factor in business‎, the concession agreement is the law, don’t tell me whether it is fair or not, I will stick to the law”.
“I am not interested in how big your company is, you keep that to yourself‎, if there is no document to prove that the contract was cancelled, I will overrule LADOL” he said. He subsequently directed INTELS and LADOL to ‎get all documents to his office which he promised to forward to President Muhammadu Buhari. He lamented that the rivalry between LADOL and INTELS is creating problems for his ministry. He said that in the rail and aviation sector, there is no much challenge as maritime sector. He said “maritime is filled with cacophony of voices”
Commenting on the issue, General Manager Legal, INTELS, Mr. Mike Ekpele told the minister that due process must be followed, especially as far as his company’s contracts are concerned. He noted that INTELS is operating the largest and fastest growing free zone in the world dedicated to oil and gas, adding that the company after concession has made investments as at 2015 of 1.15billion dollars‎. “At concession, BPE issued a letter to everybody stating specifically the kind of cargo you should handle, this should be respected” Ekpele submitted.

INAUGURATION OF OGU/BOLO CTC MEMBERS.

INAUGURATION OF OGU/BOLO CTC MEMBERS.

The CTC Chairman of Ogu/Bolo LGA, Mr. Titus Wakama has thank God almighty for lifting him to this level in the just conclude swearing-in ceremony held in the council secretariat, he thanked and appreciated the amiable Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike CON, The Leaders of the great party (PDP) in Ogu/Bolo LGA for finding them worthy to serve the good people of Ogu/Bolo LGA, He seek the support of the staffs to join him to move the LGA to the next level in making sure they are on duty as at when due to avoid drastic action on any, He promised to ensure he pays all benefits to staffs.
The Party Chairman, Hon. Arnold Davids also advice staffs to support the new CTC Chairman and work in harmony, The Chief Whip of RSHA, Hon. Evans B who was ably represented by Chief. Hon. Francis Ebenezer-Onye also advise them to work harmoniously with the little they have to put-in their best with wisdom, he said (don’t wait until you have so much before you work), He ask the new CTC Boss to make sure there is lasting peace in Wakama Community now that he's on seat, performance is what gives credit.
In appreciation, Hon. Michael Omubo promised CTC Boss that they will collaborate with him to ensure that the existing peace in the area is sustained and will do all humanly possible to key-in into the New Rivers Vision of His Excellency, Governor Wike to move to State forward.

The CTC members were also given portfolios…
Hon. Michael Omubo- Supervisor for Works.
Mr. Longinus Gad- Supervisor for Culture/Tourism.
Hon. Isreal Lamidi Tende- Supervisor for Education.
Mr. Iweriso I. Iweriso- Supervisor for Health.
Mrs. Charity Akwa- Supervisor for Women Affairs.
Mrs. Gloria IKalama- Supervisor for Agriculture.
He also appointed Mr. Steve I. Davids as the Council Secretary and Comr. Precious Wakama as Chief of Staff.
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The CTC Chairman of Ogu/Bolo, Mr. Titus Wakama has dissolve all previously existing committee and taskforce in the LGA, the new CTC Boss said the dissolution was with immediate effect as the new Committee members will be sworn into office this morning by 10am 11th May, 2016.
All members are expected to be in the Council before time.
Those to be sworn in are as follows...

Michael Omubo – Member
Mr. Longinus Gad – Member
Hon. Isreal L. Tende - Member
Mr. Iweriso I. Iweriso – Member
Mrs. Charity Akwa – Member
Mrs. Gloria Kalama - Menber.

Communal Conflicts: LG Chairmen, Committee Sue For Peace.

Two warring communities in Rivers State, Wakama in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, and Kira/ Kporghor in Tai Local Government Area, have been enjoined to embrace peace.
The Chairman of the Wakama-Kporghor Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Barr. Mela Oforibika, who made the call during the committee’s visit to the areas, said peace and unity in the two communities would attract development.
Barr. Oforibika said the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike who initiated the peace committee has a lot of developmental plans for the entire people of the state, adding that this could only be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere.
He, however, urged families and relatives of those who lost their lives and property during the crises to send memorandum to the committee on the level of damages and casualties for proper assessment and report to the governor.
According to him, adequate security would be provided to forestall further occurrences, and called on all displaced persons to come back home and settle.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government, Mr. Isaac Ibiberebupakabo and his Tai counterpart, Mr. Ephebari Ntou-ue, assured the people of government’s assistance if only they could maintain peace and once more live like brothers and sisters.
They condemned the attacks and wanton destruction of lives and property, describing them as unnecessary, barbaric and uncalled for, and enjoined all to embrace peace so as to attract development to their communities.
In their separate speeches, Sir. Michael Nziadam of Kira Community, Elder Chief Israel Nkara of Kporghor and Elder Godspower Ibitein Titus of Wakama Community thanked the Governor Wike for setting up the committee which is first of its kind on the lingering crisis between Wakama and Kporghor communities, and prayed God to give them the courage and wisdom to carry out their assignment diligently and honestly. They also appealed for relief materials for the displaced people to enable them settle.
Meanwhile, Mr. Isaac Ibiberebupakabo has commended Governor Wike for setting –up  the Peace and Reconciliation Committee to look into the lingering conflict between the people of Wakama and Kporghor, describing the move as a right step in the right direction.
Mr. Ibiberebupakabo, who made the commendation during an interview with journalists described Wike as the “David of our time,” saying he is a listening governor and a peacemaker.
He assured that the report of the committee would further check breakdown of law and order in the state.
It would be recalled that there has been lingering boundary crisis between Wakama and Kporghor communities of Ogu/Bolo and Tai Local Government Areas respectively which had led to destruction of lives and properties.

SCREENING OF 17 LGA CTC CHAIRMEN.

The Rivers State House of Assembly will reconvene today, Monday 9th May 2016 to screen new Caretaker Committee (CTC) and members for the 17 out of 23 local government areas of the state.

The screening exercise which is scheduled to take place at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex at 10.00a.m today, has some former Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairmen and members re-nominated while majority are fresh nominations.

Some of the former Caretaker (CTC) Chairmen who were re-nominated are:
Mr. Samuel Wanosike. – Ikwerre LGA.
Johnson Obele Nwogu - Eleme LGA.
Prince Ejekwu – Port Harcourt City LGA.
Roland Sekibo – Akuku-Toru LGA.

Full list of Chairmanship nominees are:

1. Oyi Igenewari ~ Abua Odual LGA
2. Britain Ewor ~ Ahoada East LGA
3. Roland Sekibo ~ Akuku Toru LGA
4. Kabang Offings~ Andoni LGA
5. Charles.T. Jumbo~ Bonny LGA
6. Johnson Wogu~ Eleme LGA
7. John Wokoma ~ Emuoha LGA
8. Michael Amadi ~ Etche LGA
9. Samuel Nwanosike~ Ikwerre LGA
10. Prince Collins Onunwo~ Obio Akpor LGA
11. Prince Isaac Emejuru ~ Ogba Egbema LGA
12. Titus Wakama ~ Ogu Bolo LGA
13. Bibigoka Jackbara ~ Okrika LGA
14. Stanley Eze Wuju ~ Omuma LGA
15. Uchena Okowa ~ Oyigbo LGA
16. Sunny Ejekwu ~ Port Harcourt LGA
17. Perkins Kelu ~ Tai LGA

Thanks.

All thanks to God Almighty who passes through HON. EVANS BIPI, the Chief Whip representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency in the States Assembly as He stepped up to ensure that we have power supply when PHED denies us power for months especially now that there is no CTC Chairman, not forgetting Kofi Bartel in Nig Info 92.3 fm.

We also expect other public office holders to always think of what they must do for those that gave them the mandate, or maybe we should start questioning them because they are our treasury.

Thanks, and may God bless you, Hon. Evans B.

A group photograph showing some Ogu...

A group photograph showing a courtesy visit to the Distinguish Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with some Ogu/Bolo PDP political leaders in is fine Country home, in Ogu Town.
5th May 2016.

In the picture from left-right is....

Chief. Hon. Anthony I. Tamunonime,

Hon. Evans B. Bipi (Chief Whip RSHA),

Chief. Sen. G.T. Sekibo CON JP,

Mr. Nedd Tamuno and

Chief. Rev. Hon. Francis Ebenezer Onye.

Hon. Buruwari Hail RSG Over Roads.

Motorists, residents and business operators at New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt township have commended the Rivers State Government  on the construction of roads in the area.
The people in an interview with The Tide during a visit to the  area said they were highly impressed  with the on-going construction work of the roads and drainages in the area, which had been in deplorable  conditions during  the previous administration.
They noted that with the rehabilitation of the roads, business activities have strived, residents no longer find it difficult going to their  destinations and motorists   now  ply the area with ease as all the pot holes  have disappeared gradually.
They expressed delight that the area would be “Small London” after the project and pledge  their  unalloyed  support and co-operation to the present government in the state.
A former chairman  of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Hon Buruwari Alapu said with the construction of the road, most motorists and residents have been relieved of their tension as life  is coming back to normal.
Before now, so many tenants  packed out of the area due to the bad road, but now people are coming to the area to rent  houses and small  business springing up. I think it is a nice move by the present  government  under Governor Nyesom Wike.
I wish  him to continue and I appreciate him immensely”, Alapu said.
A petty trader, Diana Ibifari also commended the quality of job done in the area and noted that it had helped boost business in the area, and lauded Governor  Nyesom Wike for a job  well done  and  for remembering the people of New Road, Borikiri Township.
She said he should  not relent his efforts and prayed God to give him the courage, wisdom and protection.
A resident, Odikibiebama Kaizer said it is a nice project as people could move to their houses without stress.
“It  was something  we  have been praying for and our prayers have been answered. We  appreciate the Governor, Chief  Nyesom  Wike for his love towards the people of the area Kaizer posited.
In his reaction, a commercial driver  Emeka Onyemachi said that   before  now, he was afraid of going to New road axis  of Port Harcourt, but could now proudly drive to the area with  confidence.

Hon. Buruwari Alapu.

TRY AND WORK HARD.

Do you realise most of us in reality grossly underrate our true power and potential as human beings?
We grossly underutilise our true capacities and capabilities. Hardly do we take the time to really conduct a study on humans and what humans are truly capable of, all we need do is take a look around and see all the powerful and complex inventions mankind has created and developed over time and you'll surely agree that yes, the mind of mankind is truly the most powerful force on earth.

All men are created equal, the differences in our results is basically a function of how much we learn, how much we know, how committed we are and how far we're willing to go in life. The inventors of the aeroplane, warships, computers, television, cell phones, spaceships and powerful earth moving machines are normal human beings just like you.
The founders of the biggest businesses in the world with transgenerational growth success are normal human beings like you.
The only difference however, is in...
What you choose to learn,
What you choose to know,
What you choose to believe,
What you choose to do and your courage to follow through.

I assure you there is no perfect and conducive environment for growth and prosperity for anyone today and at any time through history.
People don't succeed because all the conditions were set right and perfect, People don't succeed based on perfect socio economic conditions,
People succeed because they use the power of their minds to overcome limitations and manufacture their own success irrespective of what's going on around them and in the world.

YOU DO KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT?.

YOU DO KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT?.

It's cleanliness or otherwise can affect the health of your body.
If your environment is filthy, thereby creating the opportunity for germs and other microorganisms to fester, your physical bodies remain in danger of being attacked.
A filthy environment remains a threat to the people living in such an environment. They are exposed to the danger of sicknesses and various diseases because of the dirt in their environment. That is why it is a global advocacy and an encouraged practice that people should keep their environments clean to remain healthy.
Frankly speaking, no matter for how long you keep taking the medication, if you're still exposed to the germs and microbes that cause your sickness, you won't become well; you won't recover. Keep treating the malaria with every drug prescribed, if you don't avoid or move away from that mosquito infested environment for example, the malaria will keep coming back.

How long shall we continue to live in this environment?.