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Author: Shedrack Frank

  • Bayelsa Govt. cautions IYC, others on collection of unauthorised taxes

    Taxes

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Government has called on the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and similar organisations in the state to desist from collecting unauthorised taxes from the public

    The Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warning in Yenagoa during a meeting with leaders of Tungbo communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

    He expressed concerns that members of IYC, the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta and other similar groups were collecting unauthorised levies and taxes in the state.

    Ewhrudjakpo urged the leaders to report indigenes of their communities found collecting unauthorised taxes from members of the public to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

    He also called on the police and security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found collecting such taxes in the name of IYC and similar groups in any part of the state.

    “It is illegal to use the name of these organisation to collect illegal taxes and levies in our communities, such act is punishable.

    “Such illegal taxes imposed on traders, transporters and developers are capable of retarding the development of our rural communities.

    “We shall henceforth deal decisively with such individuals who are using the IYC, MOSIEND and other groups to extort money from innocent businessmen and transporters.

    “The state  government will not fold its hands to watch a few persons take the laws into their hands to disparage the government and people of the state,” he said.

    The deputy governor said that such illegal collections from merchants and transporters who brought goods into the state had portrayed the state in bad light

    “Some transporters now decline coming to our communities, others now charge double the actual cost of transportation because of the illegal taxation, this is not good for us.

    “This ugly development has contributed to the consistent rise in the price of goods in the state,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Collins Ifidi, and the Divisional Police Officer, in charge of Sagbama Town, CSP Kennedy Teiyeibo.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/AZU

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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Navy arrests 2 for crude oil theft in Rivers

     

     

     

    Navy arrests 2 for crude oil theft in Rivers

    Arrest

    By Shedrack Frank 08131251943

    Okarki (Rivers), June 28, 2024 (NAN) Commodore Nanmar Lakan, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS) said the command has arrested two persons for crude oil theft and seized a wooden boat laden with 12,000 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

    Lakan disclosed this while parading the suspects at Okarki waterfront on Friday.

    He said that the suspects were arrested at Okariki waterfront, in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

    Lakan explained that the arrest was made in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Sanity, which includes anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism, and anti-illegal refining sites among others.

    “Working with intelligence gathering from the good citizens of this country, we received credible information that some people want to move illegally refined AGO, popularly known as diesel from the Okarki River.

    “We dispatched our men there, and they arrested two suspects.

    “The quantity of the AGO is estimated to be 12,000 litres refined illegally,” he said.

    He urged those involved in illegality to desist from such and look for a better way of livelihood, as such illegal business was harmful to the society, and the nation at large.

    According to him, the nation is losing a lot economically, so I advise them to stop, if not we are determined to rid the entire area of this illegal business.

    He appealed to members of the public and lawful citizens, to give relevant information to security agencies particularly the NNS SOROH to carry out its tasks.

    The commander said that the suspects and the products would be handed over to the appropriate security agency because there was a standing procedure for handling such issues.

    He expressed the commitment of the navy to rid the waterways of criminals and urged those involved in illegal oil bunkering to desist from it or face the wrath of the law.

    Speaking to newsmen, one of the suspects, Mr Clement Fimeya, said that he was doing it to feed his four children because of lack of job opportunities.

    He pleaded for forgiveness and promised never to indulge in such illegality if granted a pardon by the appropriate security agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FS/NNO/AMM

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Navy destroys 10 illegal refining sites, speedboat

     

    Navy

    By Frank Shedrack

    Nembe (Bayelsa), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Brass, Bayelsa, has destroyed 10 illegal refinery sites in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

     

    The FOB also destroyed a speedboat and seized 100,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

     

    The Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Ifeanyichukwu Mabeokwu, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during the operation on Thursday.

     

    Mabeokwu said his team carried out the operation and subsequent destruction in line with the navy’s aspiration to decimate illegal refining sites and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

     

    “My team and I are here to carry out deactivation operations in these illegal refining sites.

     

    “As you can see, there is a large one with over 10 refining units; it has, cumulatively, about 80 litres of illegally refined AGO and 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil respectively.

     

    “Essentially, the illegal refining site is hidden away at the core of Nembe Creek, and it took the deployment of high-resolution drones to discover this site.

     

    “Now it has been discovered, we are going to do everything possible to see that this does not exist and will cease from this moment.

     

    “The discovery was made early this morning at about 0630-7000 hours,” he said.

     

    According to the commanding officer, the team met all the ovens still active on arrival, to prove illegal activities were ongoing just before they sensed the naval presence and fled.

     

    “I believe they heard the sound of our gunboat, and they abandoned the site; as we arrived here, nobody was seen,” he said.

     

    He says the navy, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, will stay committed to maintaining the security and safety of the Nigerian maritime domain.

     

    According to him, the navy will continue to facilitate a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to flourish and contribute to the nation’s economic progress.

     

    He, therefore, warned those who indulge in such illegitimate businesses to desist, promising that the navy would not allow them to find peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    FS/NN/MAS

     

    Edited by Nathan Nwakamma/Moses Solanke

     

  • Bayelsa Govt mulls floating airline-Official

     

    Bayelsa Govt mulls floating airline -Official

    Airline

    By Shedrack Frank

    Amassoma (Bayelsa), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The newly appointed Managing Director, Bayelsa International Airport, AVM Nelson Calmday, rtd, has said that plans were on by the state government to float an airline.

    Calmday said this on Tuesday in Amassoma, Bayelsa during his maiden meeting with top management staff, regulatory bodies and service providers of the airport.

    The new MD said the state government had given a charge that the airport, henceforth, operate as a viable business entity.

    According to him, in terms of service delivery, the airport can hardly be rated high, considering that six years after, only one operator-The United Nigeria Airline, makes two regular landings in Yenagoa weekly.

    His words: “We need to collectively do better because the Governor, Duoye Diri, desires that this facility henceforth operates as a viable business entity due to a Bayelsa Air Carrier coming soon.

    “I am not unaware of the challenges associated with becoming a Base Station, some of which include the establishment of a modest hangar for minor aircraft maintenance.

    “Sufficient BFI’s for aviation fuel, provision of serviceable fire tenders and Crash Ambulances as well as Apron Hooks for mooring parked aircraft, to mention a few.

    “Besides these however, the crux of the matter is in the structure, training and discipline of available manpower. It’s my priority that training becomes a norm,” Calmday said.

    He said that unethical staff behaviour, such as absenteeism, disregard for employment and deployment rules, loitering and any other misconduct would no longer be tolerated.

    At the maiden meeting was the Manager of the Bayelsa International Airport, Elizabeth Akpama. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Baylesa commissioner reiterates commitment to boost agriculture  

    Agriculture

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Beke Sese, newly appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Bayelsa, says the state government will provide the enabling environment for agriculture to thrive

    Sese, a professor of Animal Science, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Monday.

    He said that the government would take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere across the state to implement policies that would trigger massive food production.

    The commissioner said that farmers in the state had no reason to nurture fears over how to access their farmlands because the state was peaceful and secure.

    “I am coming with a charge from the governor to make a difference. Our environment is suitable for many types of crops.

    “We can massively produce rice, plantain, cassava and other crops from this state. The Bayelsa Palm must come back to life,” he said.

    Sese urged Bayelsa people to continue to support the Gov. Duoye Diri-led government by making meaningful inputs that would enable it to implement people-oriented programmes.

    “The governor has demonstrated uncommon commitment and wisdom in handling the affairs of the state, he needs the encouragement of the people to do more,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/OJI/AZU

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Azubuike Okeh

  • Residents butcher stranded whale for meat in Bayelsa community

    Residents butcher stranded whale for meat in Bayelsa community

    Whale

    By Shedrack Frank

    Brass (Bayelsa) June 19, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Okpoama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have butchered a stranded giant whale at seaside of the Atlantic ocean close to the community.

    The stranded whale, measured about 15 meters long, 5 meters wide and 3 meters height, may have been washed off on Tuesday evening due to low sea wave at the river bank.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of the community meeting the stranded whale on Wednesday morning, trooped out with machetes, hacksaws and axes to dismember the sea animal for fish.

    NAN reports that the butchering is still ongoing as at the time of filling the report at Okpoama waterside.

    Mr Nengi Omietimi, a resident of the community, said: “as you can see, giant whale was washed off this morning in Okpoama beach; things like this happen every five to six or 10 years.

    “Young men are here doing what they know best, a lot of people are still queuing waiting at the beach to get their own share of the fish.

    “This thing started happening since morning, as you can see this fish can feed the whole community.

    “We just found it this morning at the beach, the people you’re seeing here came from different communities to get their own share of the large mammal,” he said.

    Mr Tarinyo Akono, a former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa, who is also an indigene of the community, said that the whale might have died after it got stranded, due to low wave.

    He stated that the animal was grounded in the night when the people had gone to sleep, adding that if it was found alive, it could have been rescued and pushed back to the sea.

    Also, the Youth President of Okpoama community, Mr Seiyefa Felix Ben-Basuo, who confirmed the incident, also said that the people were at the waterside butchering the sea mammal.

    NAN reports that in August 2019, a similar giant whale got stranded at the same waterside and was also butchered by the residents for meat. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • “Japa”, major problem affecting FMC Yenagoa—CMD

     

    FMC

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Dr James Omietimi,  Chief Medical Director,  Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa in Bayelsa, says the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility is the  ‘Japa’ syndrome.

    Omietimi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  on Monday in Yenagoa.

    According to him, the Japa syndrome has impacted negatively on our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today.

    NAN reports that the new CMD has worked with the hospital for over 25 years as staff before his appointment few months ago.

    He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

    “This Japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country.

    “Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad and at an  alarming rate.

    “This movement has led to understaffing here and big workload on  the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

    The CMD stated also other  aspects included poor remuneration, lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

    He called for retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70 years, as it was done in other professions like university lectures and judges.

    Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to  providing medical services, in spite shortage of clinical personnel.

    He said the FMC had grown from what it used to be then, and has still remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa that served the people better.

    According to him, government hospitals are not always funded like the private hospitals.

    He urged  the Bayelsa Government led by Gov. Douye Diri, to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector and not  only when there were major problems.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/CHOM/VIV

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

     

     

     

  • Women with disabilities urge Tinubu to replace Edu with Tejuosho

    Replacement

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 13, 2024 (NAN) South-South Women with Disabilities has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to appoint Dr. Adenike Tejuosho, as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The Chairperson of the association, Mrs Ada Tari, made the appeal, while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that earlier in the year, the President ordered the suspension of Dr Beta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    NAN also reports that the Disability communities across the country have made the demand for appointment of Tejuosho as Edu’s replacement, at various fora.

    Tari said: “As we are all aware, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been vacant, following the suspension of the Minister.

    “It is on this point that South-South Women with Disabilities Association is recommending and passionately appealing to the President to appoint one of our mothers, to fill in the vacuum.

    “The association has its members across Niger Delta Region, which comprises all the disability clusters of physically challenged, blind, deaf, people affected by leprosy, the spinal cord injury and albinism.

    She added: “We have gathered here today in Yenagoa, to appreciate and congratulate President Tinubu on successful one year in office, including his progressive policies of the renewed hope agenda.

    “As women with disabilities, we also want to use this opportunity to thank our caring mother of the nation, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Remi Tinubu, for her firm support to Mr President.

    “We also thank her for the agricultural support she recently extended to women and youths, as well as People With Disabilities across the country”.

    Tari noted that people with disabilities are the most vulnerable members of the society and the vacuum in the ministry of humanitarian and poverty alleviation is affecting them negatively.

    “We therefore join several other groups and individuals to drum support for Mrs Halimat Adenike Tejuosho who has over the years distinguish herself as a true humanitarian to be appointed as the Minister,” she stressed

    Tari reiterated that the absence of a Minister to occupy the particular office, has negatively affected the renewed hope agenda with respect to providing succour to the less privileged.

    “Looking at her track record and if given the opportunity, Hajiya Tejuosho, will continue to extend her generosity and passion by upgrading the living standard of PWDs, less privileged and the vulnerable in Nigeria,” she said (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    FS/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Police confirm killing of Plateau Rider manager

     

     

    Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu

     

     

    Killing

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Alonyenu  has confirmed  killing of the Manager of Plateau Rider bus station in Yenagoa.

    The deceased has been identified as Alhaji Auwalu Aliyu.

    Idu said that  Aliyu was shot and killed by suspected armed robbers.

    He made the confirmation  on Thursday in Yenagoa during an interactive session  with newsmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the robbery occurred on Tuesday about 9:00 p.m. near Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex on Imgbi Road, Amarata, Yenagoa.

    NAN gathered that the deceased was going home, after closing from work when he was shot and killed by suspected armed  robbers, who made away his money.

    Idu said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crime.

    He gave the assurance  that the family of the deceased would get justice soon.

    He said: “The manner he was  killed is alien to Bayelsa.

    “We have the suspicion that the deceased was trailed from Plateau to Bayelsa and killed, or his death is related to group of criminal elements currently assembling at Ogbia Local Government Area.

    “Our drone was able to capture the signatures of the vehicle that was used to carry out the operation.

    “As I am speaking with you, the location of the vehicle is yet to be known, but we are sure we will get it soon because we have every detail of the car.

    “We sympathise with the family of the deceased, we are sure they will get justice  and that will happen very soon,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FS/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola