NDDC Forensic audit a sham - Delta monarch

By Akpokona Omafuaire

IDJERHE - THE recent forensic audit carried out by the Federal Government on the operations of the interventionist agency, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been described as a mere academic exercise and a scam.

This was stated weekend by HRM, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom during his one year Coronation Anniversary celebration at Idjerhe, Delta State.

The Journalist turned King who spoke to journalists shortly after conferring chieftaincy titles on deserving sons and daughters of the Kingdom, insisted that the NDDC forensic audit was never carried out but was only used to buy time.

The monarch butressing his argument noted that the forensic auditors never came to Idjhere Kingdom where there were a lot of ongoing NDDC projects, to carry out any audit.

In his words, "I told the Presidency from this throne that the forensic audit they just did was a scam. There was nothing called forensic audit at all. They only did that to buy time.

“Idjhere is rich in oil and gas and there are many NDDC projects going on in this Kingdom, but they (NDDC auditors) never came here.

“There is no audit that does not have a life span. But this NDDC forensic audit did not have a life span and this is one of the reasons why I am faulting it,” the Idjhere monarch said.

The monarch, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately inaugurate the senate screened and approved governing board of the NDDC.

The tough talking King said, "You nominated people, you screened them and they were confirmed by the National Assembly, yet you refused to inaugurate them.

“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that you screen and confirm people and they were never inaugurated. This is an insult to the Constitution of this country,” The Idjhere monarch added.

Udurhie I also wondered why the NDDC was removed from the presidency and handed to the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs while it’s sister agency, the North East Development Commission, was still under the presidency.

“The Niger Delta people should wake up because as we speak a sister agency, the North East Development Commission, that has the same capacity as the NDDC, is still under the presidency. Why did you remove the NDDC from the Presidency and gave it to an interested party from the Niger Delta.

“Are you aware that Akpabio was a Governor. He was once nominated Executive Director, Project, NDDC board, and he also nominated the last Managing Director of the NDDC,” he said.

The king said that with the refusal of the Federal Government to inaugurate the NDDC board, the ruling party under President Muhammadu Buhari has lost the opportunity to galvanize support from the south South come 2023.

“I told the Federal Government that the NDDC is one of the strongest government agencies in the South South region of Nigeria that the APC can use to galvanize support. But I think they have lost that opportunity.

“I think the Federal Government should go back to the drawing board, withdraw NDDC from the Ministry of the Niger Delta and urgently inaugurate the NDDC board that was already screened,” he added.

The Idjhere monarch also advocated for constitutional roles to the royal institution, stressing that this would resolved the high level of insecurity in the country.

“If there is going to be any constitutional amendment there must be a specific responsibility for the royal fathers that is recognized by the constitution. The Royal fathers are closer to the people. It’s not when it has happened that you call the king.

“I have been a very strong advocate of constitutional rule to Royal fathers. Before now it was the royal fathers that were in charged of communities and kingdoms. At that time insecurity was not anywhere.

“If there is any constitutional amendment that will be meaningful, there must be a constitutional duty for the Royal Institution in this country.

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NDDC: Tompolo blasts FG for insensitivity, urges agitators, stakeholders to keep the peace

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - FORMER Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, High Chief GovernmentOweizide Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo has carpeted the Buhari led government over perceived insensitivity in dealing with the Niger Delta Region development, and called on all stakeholders and agitators to maintain the peace.

Tompolo, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation made the call Friday in a press statement signed by himself. 

See the full statement below. ......

        HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (TOMPOLO)

                                   The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation

                                                 Press Statement

 Niger Delta Agitators’ Ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria: A Call for Restrain.

It has become expedient that I speak on the above subject matter. 

It could be recalled that I issued ultimatum to the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful on the issue of the NDDC board by constituting the substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as an urgent matter of public importance and interest to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the region, sometime ago. My ultimatum led to a consultative meeting between major stakeholders from the region and Senator Godswill Akpabio in Oporoza town, where a truce was reached, as the Minister profusely pleaded that he should be allowed to start and fast-track the process of constituting the board within the month of June, 2021. 

June 2021 has come to an end. The people of the region are yet to see any tangible move towards the constitution of the NDDC board by the Federal Government. The people are seriously agitated. There is palpable fear and tension in the region.

I wish to reiterate my earlier position that, the government should as a matter of urgency, constitute the substantive board of the NDDC to avoid unnecessary bickering and crisis in the region. Since I reluctantly accepted the outcome of the consultative meeting, I have done so much to keep peace in the region which some major stakeholders in the security circle are aware of. I have been in constant touch with my fellow agitators in the region to give peace a chance, knowing fully well that there cannot be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony. As it stands now, the one thing the government must do in this issue is to be courageous enough to constitute the NDDC board. Government must be sincere in handling developmental issues in the Niger Delta region as the people have suffered enough, being neglected for several decades. The truth of the matter is that there is so much bitterness in the land owing to the lackadaisical attitude of this government in handling matters of great importance to its citizens. 

As for my follow agitators, please permit me to borrow the biblical words of Jesus Christ, that we should be wise as serpent and gentle as dove to continue our agitation for a better living for our people. We must avoid anything that may throw the only relatively peaceful region in the country now, into chaos because of government’s nonchalant attitude towards the security and welfare of its citizenry as constitutionally provided. The average Nigerian citizen is a government of his or her own as the citizens provides everything for themselves today. The government is unfair to a greater number of its citizens. The Nigerian Government must create an enabling environment for the citizens to live a prosperous and peaceful life.

Multinational oil companies operating in the Niger delta region are not left out in the troubles of the region. They are clearly part of the conspiracy in the marginalization of the region. They must perform their statutory obligations to the people of the region by promptly delivering cooperate social responsivities to the people. Most of the companies are operating under the cover of the Nigerian Military, which has further exacerbated the relationship between Multinationals and their host communities. They must do their business in a most friendly atmosphere, and not to set neighbouring host communities against one another.  

Thank you and Godbless!

Signed:

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)

The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation

  

Local Government Autonomy not needed in Nigeria - Idimi, guber aspirant

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - A 2023 Delta State  Governorship aspirant and President/CEO of Exerneum Resources Limited, Ediri R. Idimi (UBIOMOR) has stated that the idea of Local Government autonomy being advocated for in Nigeria will not solve the problems facing the Country but rather complicate it.

Idimi stated this while addressing the media in his home town of Ituru in Elume District of Sapele Local Government Area of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State. 

According to him, "What is needed is restructuring of Nigeria to a true Federal State with resource control. Nigeria structure of Government should be modeled after that of Canada, USA and other countries since we have the same demography. If we must succeed, local government should be under state government authorities and the state should have powers to create new local government areas for effective development of the state, as the state government understand better the history of the people and the natural and tribal boundaries.

“The idea of Local Government Autonomy being advocated by some persons from certain part of the country is to advance the olonization ideology of some ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and the Niger Delta people in particular. It is not designed with the intention to develop the grassroots, but further divide the people through 'divide and rule strategy'. 

"Local government should be under state authorities just as it is done in other parts of the world. Autonomy of local government system has been the major cause of crisis in different parts of the country, which include the Warri Crisis between the Ijaws, Itsekiri and Urhobo due to creation of Warri South West Local Government Area by the then Federal Government of Nigeria. The crisis was resolved by the Delta State Government which created from the 3 Federal Government Local Government, 15 Community Development Center (CDC) which is like States own form of Local Government along natural tribal boundaries and kingdoms of the warring tribes. 

"The Sapele Local Government Area and Okpe Local Government Area of Okpe Kingdom are divided into 13 Districts, each of the districts should be made Local Government Area for effective grassroots development. Canada with about 40 million people has about 4500 Local Government Area and then Nigeria with about 200 million people can develop its grassroots with just 774 Local Government Area?

"Local Government Autonomy that is advocated by some persons mainly from  Northern Nigeria is to continually foster ethnic conquest through a centralized command and control of the powers of Government. These people created far more Local Government in the North with a strategy to get more revenues from resources coming from the South. 

"It has to be totally condemned by all Indigenous People of Niger Delta advocating for true Federal State with resource control. We have put forward ideas to restructure Nigeria to a true Federal State with Resources Control and that is the one antidote the country needs to solve the many socio-economic, socio-political and socio-cultural problems we are facing, which include the problems of insecurity."

The vibrant young entrepreneur addedfurther, "Nigeria model of Local Government Autonomy is such that revenues generated from local Governments in Delta State is unfairly collected by a Central Government and bulk of the money shared to Local Government in Northern States. It is not Local Government Autonomy to collect VATs from sales of alcohol in Lagos and other parts of Southern States and share lion share of it to Local Government in North that even prohibit the sales of alcohol in their states.

"The type of Local Government Autonomy needed is the type that will enable the State create the desire Local Government Areas along with tribal and natural boundaries needed for revenue generation, Mobilization and grassroots development. The autonomy that will empower the Local Government withhold a certain percentage from all resources and revenue generated from its territory and the State takes the outstanding and then remit certain percentage of it to the central Government. The revenue sharing structure should be from down to up as in Federal States philosophy and not from up to bottom as in Unity System of Government of the current awkward arrangement in Nigeria." He added.

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IOM mourns former DG

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) weekend lost its former Director General and longtime US diplomat, William Lacy Swing, who died in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aged 86 years.

IOM Director General António Vitorino in a message on Saturday said, "It is with a heavy heart that I learned of my predecessor's passing today.

"His was a life of service to his country and humanity, and a source of inspiration to us all."

Swing was born in Lexington, North Carolina in the United States in 1934. He entered the Foreign Service after graduating from Yale University (1956) and completing postgraduate studies in Germany (1960).

Over four decades, his diplomatic career included six US Ambassadorial postings, in the Republic of the Congo, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo before retiring from the US Foreign Service in 2001 and embarking on a second career with the United Nations.

Swing often told the story of arriving in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, as a junior foreign service officer in 1963 as Nelson Mandela was being transferred to Robben Prison. He returned 26 years later as Ambassador to witness Mandela's release and subsequent presidency over post-Apartheid South Africa and cited that transformation as an example of the seismic changes that can occur over the course of a single lifetime.

Prior to joining IOM Swing served as United Nations Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Western Sahara (2001-2003) and the DRC (2003-2008). He was elected Director General of IOM in 2008, steering the Organization for the next decade through its greatest period of expansion since the organization’s foundation in 1951.

Under Mr. Swing’s stewardship, IOM grew into an agency with an annual operating budget of an estimated USD1.5 billion and more than 10,000 staff working in over 150 countries worldwide. IOM currently has 174 Member States.

Swing felt strongly that IOM's future lay in formalizing the well-established working relationship between the Organization and the United Nations system. In September 2016, then-DG Swing and Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon signed the agreement that established IOM – UN Migration – as a related organization of the UN.

As UN Migration, IOM became the point of reference in the global debate on the social, economic and political implications of migration in the 21st century.

Shortly before to his retirement in 2018, Swing heralded the completion of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as an important milestone to improve international cooperation on migration. 

“This is not the end of the undertaking but the beginning of a new historic effort to shape the global agenda on migration for decades to come,” he said at the time.

IOM staff around the world are deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Swing’s passing and extend their deepest condolences to his family.

He has a son, Brian, and a daughter, Gabrielle, and has lived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with his wife Yuen Cheong since his retirement.

Urhobo-Isoko Unity: Urhobo and Isoko greats storm Effurun Saturday to form a common front

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - THE two oldest ethnic nationalities in Delta State, Urhobo and Isoko will  hold a one-day  unity confab tagged: ‘Those Things That Bind Us Together’ on Saturday June 19 in Effurun Delta State to form a formidable force going forward. 

This was contained in an announcement made by High Chief Lucky Esigie and High Chief Hope Abovi Erute in Warri on Friday.

According to the annoucement, Major General Paul Omu  (Rtd.) and Brigadier Dominic Oneya (Rtd.) will chair the epoch-making unity conference at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State.

The President General Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Taiga and Prof. Christopher Akpotu, President General Isoko Development Union, IDU will be Special guests of honour.

The great event will have Prof Emewvo Biakolo, Prof Rev Mano-Ben Okpevra, Bishop .O. Itehere and Rev Father Oghenejode Abaka as Speakers.

The centenarian Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom and Chairman, Delta Central Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Ovie (Dr.) R.L Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, and His Royal Highness, Okpuzo R Ejimememe Inana 1 of Owhe Kingdom will be fathers of the day.

BREAKING : Urhobo and Isoko hold unity conference on Saturday

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - THE two oldest ethnic nationalities in Delta State, Urhobo and Isoko will  hold a one-day  unity confab tagged: ‘Those Things That Bind Us Together’ on Saturday June 19 in Effurun Delta State to form a formidable force going forward. 

This was contained in an announcement made by High Chief Lucky Esigie and High Chief Hope Abovi Erute in Warri on Friday.

According to the annoucement, Major General Paul Omu  (Rtd.) and Brigadier Dominic Oneya (Rtd.) will chair the epoch-making unity conference at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State.

The President General Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Taiga and Prof. Christopher Akpotu, President General Isoko Development Union, IDU will be Special guests of honour.

The great event will have Prof Emewvo Biakolo, Prof Rev Mano-Ben Okpevra, Bishop .O. Itehere and Rev Father Oghenejode Abaka as Speakers.

The centenarian Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom and Chairman, Delta Central Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Ovie (Dr.) R.L Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, and His Royal Highness, Okpuzo R Ejimememe Inana 1 of Owhe Kingdom will be fathers of the day.

2023: APC 'll win Presidency in 2023, Waive predicts

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - THE member representing the people of Ughelli North/Ughelli South & Udu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ejiroghene Francis Waive Sunday said that the All Progressives Congress, APC will win the 2023 Presidential election, just as he says more governors and prominent leaders of  the opposition Peoples Democratic Party will revamp in due time.

He called on the party members in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State to be united ahead of the 2023 elections in the State.

The lawmaker spoke when he paid consultation visit to a leader of the APC in Ughelli South, Engr.(Olorogun) Ogbarode Napoleon Ogbon at his Bendel Estate abode in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

Waive assured the party members that he will not be sectional or divisive in handling their affairs.

He said, "We want to build a strong party. Let's come together not to spite leadership. Not to spite fathers or create confusion and divide."

Waive predicted that the APC will win the presidential election come 2023.

According to him, "Whether you like it or not, am in a position to tell you that APC will win the Presidency come 2023. Go and write it down."

While noting that majority of the federal lawmakers and some governors have decamped to the APC, Waive said more are yet to join the party before the election proper. 

He said members of the party should position themselves well ahead of time.

The leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Engr. (Olorogun) Ogbarode Napoleon Ogbon welcomed the lawmaker and also stressed the need for the leaders to carry their followers along in anything they do.

Ogbon also urged the party faithfuls to be more united as well as work as team.

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NDDC ULTIMATUM : Tompolo calls for calm, reluctantly accedes to Akpabio's plea

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - HIGH Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo has reluctantly acceded to the prayers of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to constitute the board of NDDC before June ending, just as he calls for calm.

Tompolo premised his stance on the aftrmath of the consultative meeting held in Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South Area of Delta State by leaders, youths and stakeholders from the region and not any form of inducement.

The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw nation revealed the new position on Saturday in a press statement signed by himself sent to Journalists.

Read the statement below.

RE: PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AND SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO SHOULD AS A MATTER OF URGENCY CONSTITUTE THE SUBSTANTIVE BOARD OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)

I issued a seven-day ultimatum on the above subject matter on Monday May 31^st 2021. There were a lots of concerns expressed by Nigerians on this matter within this period, hence machineries were put in place for consultations among Nigerians, especially from highly placed individuals and organizations from the Niger Delta region, including the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

As I expressed in my press statement of Monday May 31^st 2021, I came into this matter because of love for the region and Nigeria. I make bold to say that I cannot be compromised by money and other material things.   However, the only thing one can do for Nigeria in this trying times, where all the six geopolitical zones are in turmoil, is to pray to God for peace and tranquility, particularly for the economic hub of the country, the Niger Delta region.

Therefore, I welcomed the consultative meeting of our revered Traditional rulers from the region, Delta State Government, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) led by its President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, leaders from the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and other Nationalities with the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio in attendance, at the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oporoza town on Thursday June 3^rd 2021.

The outcome of the meeting has been made known to the public by the Minister. He promised profusely to start the process of the constitution and inauguration of the substantive board of the NDDC immediately (from Friday June 4^th 2021), and that he should be allowed to drive the process to an end on or before the end of June 2021.

As it stands now, I have accepted the outcome of the meeting reluctantly. It is pertinent to state at this juncture that, I do not want anything to disrupt the relative peace we are enjoying in the region. It was on this premise that I accepted the outcome of the meeting. The ultimate goal in this issue, is for the Minister to abide by the promise he has made to start the process of constituting the NDDC board now. Government shenanigans must be put away in this matter as constituting the NDDC board is very dear to the heart of the people of the region.

I wish to thank all our revered traditional rulers for their fatherly role they played in the matter, my father, ground leader of the Ijaw Nation and elder statesman, Chief E. K Clark for his concern and intervention in this matter, the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Barr Kingsley Burutu Otuaro for their intervention, The President of Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rare Admiral A. Hassan, Leaders of the various Ethnic Nationalities for their solidarity, Youths of all the Ethnic Nationalities from the region, Women groups and others too numerous to mention here. I say a thank you to all.

It is my pray that the needful be done to develop the Niger Delta region as seen in advance climes.

Signed:

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)

The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation

BREAKING : Suspected armed robbers shot club manager in Udu

 WARRI - SUSPECTED armed robbers this evening shot a club Manager on the leg at Ekete Inland, Udu Council Area, and cart away an unspecified sum of money.

The event which occurred about past 8 pm near the busy Ekete Inland caused scare with people running for their lives.

An eyewitness who gave his name as Mike who spoke in confidence said, "We were drinking when the boys entered the place and shot sporadically.

"Everyone took to their heels, they requested the Manager to bring all the monies they have, immediately they shot his leg, he has been rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Udu area."

A police source also confirmed the incident, but could not give details. According to him, "We just got the information now, but we don't have much details but no one died."

As at the time of this report, the club has been deserted.

More details later......

Obaseki wins certificate forgery case at Supreme Court, as court awards 1m against appellants

By Akpokona Omafuaire

The Supreme Court on Friday gave Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state a clean bill  of health from the certificate forgery case brought by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its chieftain, Mr. Williams Edobor, against him.

It was learnt that the appellant couldn’t prove their case or provide any disclaimer from the school that the result are not issued by them to Obaseki.

The court awarded one million naira in favour of the Edo governor against the appellant.

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NGO feeds 500 vulnerable persons in Effurun Otor

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

WARRI - ABOUT 500 vulnerable persons in Effurun Otor Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have received free feeding and food items courtesy of Eloho Aro Reach Out Foundation. 

The free feeding and distribution of food items was held Saturday in furtherance of the NGO's humanitarian service. 

Speaking at the event, the Founder of the Eloho Aro Reach out Foundation, Miss Eloho Avwaruroro, a lawyer, said the organization is determined to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the Society. 

Avwaruroro accompanied by her team told the beneficiaries of the free feeding and other less privileged persons in the Society not to feel abandoned but always remember that her organization cares for them. 

She said it is the group's dream to build an old people's home in Delta State to provide a conducive shelter for over two hundred vulnerable aged persons. 

According to her, the old people's home would have constant electricity supply, medicare and other facilities. 

The President General of Effurun Otor Kingdom, Chief Francis Uzo, Spokeswoman of the Women in the Kingdom, Mrs Patricia Orukomienor and Chief Godspower Agbri thanked Miss Eloho Avwaruroro for her gesture and determination to impact positively on the Society. 

Uzo urged the people of Effurun Otor kingdom to take a cue from the young philanthropist to groom their children to contribute positively to the kingdom and the larger Society.

Some of the beneficiaries who couldn't hide their joy prayed for God's blessings upon Miss Avwaruroro and her team. 

The Eloho Aro Reach Out Foundation has organized free workshops for youths against cultism and other crimes and fed many vulnerable old persons and children. 

Miss Eloho Avwaruroro founded the Non-Governmental Organization in 2018 then as an ndergraduates  of Law, Delta State University, Oleh Campus.

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Delta Government vows to partner UN on human trafficking and irregular migration

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the State Government would partner the United Nations to curb human trafficking and irregular migration in the state.

Okowa spoke on Thursday when the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon and his delegation visited him at Government House, Asaba.

Kallon said that he was in the state to reinforce the partnership between the United Nations and Delta Government.

He said that the UN was determined to provide support for the fight against COVID-19, implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), combating human trafficking and irregular migration.

Okowa commended the United Nations for its various programmes in the state, saying they had been of immense benefit to people of the state.

The Governor remarked that human trafficking and irregular migration were being encouraged by high poverty rate in the country.

He however, disclosed that his administration was checking the scourge with the establishment of entrepreneurial programmes to encourage youths to be self-reliant.

"For so long we have had this relationship between our state government and the UN in various ways and through various programmes that you have introduced in this nation and of which we have benefited as a state.

“As a state government, we have had lots of challenges these few years and Delta state has had its fair share. It was of course compounded in the last several months by the issue of COVID-19.

" It has been a very difficult time but we will continue to do our best to touch the lives of our people,” he said. 

On efforts to eradicate human trafficking and irregular migration, the governor said that the state was doing its best in tackling the vices but lamented that poverty was a great factor fuelling it.

“We know that many of these things are driven by the poverty level of the people and we know the misinformation out there that there are greener pastures outside the shores of Nigeria.

“This has continued to refuel the zeal of our young ones who are misinformed that they need to leave the shores of this country.

“So we are doing a lot in trying to keep our youths engaged in entrepreneurship programmes which we believe will help them to take care of themselves and their families and retrain others.

"The programmes will keep our youths engaged and we will have less people seeking greener pastures outside the shores of this nation. Although we are still far away from true success, we have done a lot in our various communities.

“In the past, it was believed that the government will keep employing people but this has shown to be a wrong path as it only increased recurrent expenditure.

“But, we have started carving out funds for capital development which will actually enable growth in the society.

“We are also mindful of the fact that the present crisis of insecurity may increase the human trafficking which we have been trying to eradicate.

“This is because when many of our youths feel that they are no longer safe in their country, they would want to leave.

“To a larger extent, we are beginning to let the Federal Government know that there is a need to look beyond the federal policing of our nation. It may not just be enough to take charge of the entire policing of this nation." Okowa stated.

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Five dead as gunmen attack police station in Delta

By Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI  - UNSPECIFIED number of gunmen on Friday morning in a murderous mood unleashed mayhem on the unsuspecting Umutu Police Divisional Headquarters in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, leaving three police and two gunmen dead.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali afterwards confirmed the attack on the Umutu Police Station by Unknown gunmen.

The Police boss in a telephone chat with a journalist said two constables were shot dead while an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP died of heart attack in the process.

Ali noted that the Police were able to kill two of the gunmen who came for the operation. He said the gunmen succeeded in moving the bodies of their men from the scene of incident.

According to him, ”Actually what happened is that at about 1:45am this morning, we got information about attack on Umutu Police Station which was repelled by our men.

“Having putting up that gallant fight, we lost two constables who were shot dead, while an ASP died of heart attack in the process. He wasn’t shot which means that he was shocked and the shock killed him. He was fuming from the mouth.

“So,we were able to repel the attack. Our men killed two of them but because they came with vehicles,they quickly moved their bodies away. But to the glory of God, the station is safe. No arm was lost.” He added.

IOM worries about condition of 9,000 migrants arrival in Spain within two days

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE International Organization for Migration, IOM, has expressed concern on the unprecedented arrival of an estimated 9,000 migrants in Spain’s Ceuta enclave between Monday and Wednesday (17-19 May).

IOM Director General António Vitorino in a statement said that  about 1,500 children between the ages of seven and fifteen were among those who crossed into Ceuta in the span of 48 hours. 

He worries that while many have already been returned through family reunification and tracing assistance, some 800 remain accommodated in a warehouse in Ceuta.

He said the Organization encourages the ongoing efforts to provide assistance to minors and maintains that best interest of the child and protection safeguards must be the guiding principles in identifying solutions for them. 

He reassured that IOM stands ready to support Spanish authorities in providing children with the needed tailored assistance, in coordination with partners on the ground.

According to him, “Our response has to prioritize the safety of people and guarantee access to protection and other forms of assistance regardless of the reasons that forced or prompted them to move.

“For migration management and the response to the needs of people on the move to be effective, collaboration and dialogue between host, transit and origin countries should be maintained.”

He added that IOM recognizes the longstanding cooperation between Spain and Morocco and their mutual efforts to improve migration governance and encourages further efforts in this regard.

Vitorino said that about 26,400 people have arrived in the European Union via Mediterranean Sea routes since the beginning of 2021. 

He added that while the numbers have increased compared to the same period last year, IOM believes the arrivals are manageable through better migration governance, including increased pathways for safe and dignified migration, and improved solidarity mechanisms amongst EU Member States as outlined in the currently discussed European Pact on Asylum and Migration.

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COVID-19 Behind Unprecedented Changes in the Number of Migrants Moving Across East and Horn of Africa

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s annual flagship report on migration trends and population movements has said that at least 300,000 migrants across the East and Horn of Africa have been affected by COVID-19 in 2020.

The report, A Region on the Move, whivh was released this week highlights the dire consequences of the pandemic for vulnerable migrants, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum-seekers, unaccompanied minors, and returning and stranded migrants. 

The widespread air, land, and sea border closures, and other movement restrictions put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, have severely impacted more than 300,000 people who largely depend on informal employment and the ability to move across borders for work and their survival. 

It said that thousands of migrants, mostly Ethiopian, are stranded in Djibouti, Somalia and Yemen, unable to continue their journey to reach Saudi Arabia via Yemen.

According to the report, the number of crossings to Yemen from the Horn of Africa has dropped by an unprecedented 73 per cent compared to 2019, approximately 37,000 from 138,000.  

It added that the extremely harsh conditions faced by migrants, exacerbated by the pandemic, also resulted in high numbers of people returning spontaneously from Yemen to Djibouti and Somalia. IOM estimates at least 32,000 migrants remain stranded in Yemen. 

The report stressed that hundreds of thousands more across the East and Horn of Africa lack access to food, water, security and medical care. Personal Protective Equipment to guard against COVID-19 are in short supply, and currently there is no access to the COVID-19 vaccine.  

That the region continues to be home to many of the world’s protracted displacement contexts, economic crises, conflicts and climate shocks, including the worst desert locust infestation in decades and a new crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. 

Combined with the impact of COVID-19, these factors contributed to a rise in the number of IDPs in the East and Horn of Africa, reaching 6.5 million in December 2020 compared to 6.3 million in 2019. 

The IOM report concludes that while causes of migration in the East and Horn of Africa – namely poverty, conflict and environmental events – persist, the economic drivers have been further exacerbated by the pandemic. 

This is supported by a  recent study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which finds that the long-term socio-economic impact of COVID-19 will widen the poverty gap between countries as an estimated 41 million people in low and medium development countries could be pushed into poverty by 2030, with the worst affected living in Africa. 

According to the bew findings, the same time, migration has become even riskier as smugglers try to circumvent COVID-19 movement restrictions and maximize profits over migrants that undertake various journeys in the region. Unpredictable and prolonged movement restrictions may push more migrants towards irregular channels of migration and increasingly risky smuggling routes.

According to Mohammed Abdiker, Regional Director, IOM Regional Office for East and Horn of Africa, "Moving forward, we need to advance real alternatives to irregular migration and promote sustainable reintegration for migrants returning home.

 “We also need to see improved efforts to curb transnational organized crime regionally and internationally, that is responsible for so much of the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons in the region. Without this, the efforts of Member States to control migration will continue to be undermined and migrants will continue to suffer.”  

The report was published by the Regional Data Hub (RDH) for the East and Horn of Africa, which aims to support evidence-based, strategic and policy-level discussion on migration through a combination of initiatives.

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Over 1.7 million displaced people in dire need in Ethiopia

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

ADDIS ABABA - MORE than 1.7 million people displaced due to conflict are in need of urgent assistance across 265 accessible locations in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and neighboring Afar and Amhara.

This is according to data report collected by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). 

The data reveals the extent to which people have fled to towns and cities to seek humanitarian assistance and gain access to essential services. 

The report is the fifth of such assessment conducted by IOM in the area. The figures were collected through a monthly Emergency Site Assessment which has been in place since the conflict in Northern Ethiopia erupted in November 2020. 

The assessment, conducted between 01-22 April, shows that there are some 1,645,944 IDPs in Tigray region, another 48,420 in Afar region and 20,812 in Amhara region. 

The report says the data are only indicative of the displacement in areas accessible to IOM enumerators. Many sections of the Tigray region’s Northwestern, Central, Eastern and Southern zones remain out of reach to humanitarian partners due to continuing insecurity. 

The highest concentration of displaced persons is in Shire, where 575,115 IDPs are residing in overcrowded collective shelters, including schools, within the host community and in open spaces. The majority are from Western and Northwestern Tigray. 

Other urban areas with high displacement concentrations included Adwa (188,910), Sheraro (165,223), and Mekele Zone (200,909).

According to the analysis of DTM and partner datasets, there is a pressing need to deal with growing food insecurity, particularly to assist those displaced, as well as providing shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and other non-food items in the overcrowded sites across the conflict-affected area. 

Since the beginning of the crisis, IOM has been monitoring the humanitarian and displacement situation through monthly area-based assessments, which capture the number of displaced persons, their locations and needs to inform the wider humanitarian response.   

IOM will continue to expand its assessment coverage in the north so that the needs of more IDPs can be assessed. Since 2018, DTM has been the official source for displacement data in Ethiopia. DTM works in collaboration with Ethiopia’s National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC).  

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INSECURITY: MULADE URGES FG TO AVOID SECOND WAVE OF MILITANCY IN NIGER DELTA REGION

By Akpokona Omafuaire A Warri based human and environmental rights advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his Federal Executives to do everything possible to forestall a second wave of militancy in the Niger Delta Region. The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ, with offices in Major cities across the country expressed concern over the high level of insecurity in Nigeria. Mulade called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards curbing the rising spate of insecurity ravaging the nation, leading to increase in poverty and hunger, and appealed to the President to adopt proactive measures to reduce unemployment and mitigate the prevailing economic downturn in the country. The Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, gave the charge while reacting to the reported threats which indicate that failure to address the fundamental issues in the region might lead to another round of militancy which could be extremely disastrous to the nation's economy, as many aggrieved people are looking for avenues to vent their anger. The CEPEJ National Coordinator, in an interactive session with some Warri-based newsmen, emphasized that the prevailing harsh economic situation in the region and in the country, requires a very pragmatic approach to deal with it. The CEPEJ Boss also stressed the need to put measures in place to eradicate poverty, and that such measures should be publicized through very effective public awareness campaigns. The Peace Ambassador, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Buhari and the Federal Government to enable them find the best ways out of the nation's security challenges. He implored Nigerians to give maximum support to Government in terms of sharing accurate and timely information with relevant authorities so as to overcome the security problems. The Gbaramatu Chief in Warri South West Local Government Area of the Delta State, Prayed for the repose of the souls of the Late Army Chief of Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other military personnels that lost their lives in an air mishap. “I commiserate with their families and loved ones. May God give their families and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss which is very colossal”. He also implored Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government at this critical time by shunning all forms of secession and separation agitations, urging all Nigerians to work for a better and united Nigeria

LATEST: Gov Ayade formally joins APC

By Akpokona Omafuaire After months of political flirtation and permutations about his political wandering, the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade has left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress APC. The cross-carpeting of Ayade was confirmed by Mamman Mohammed, Director General Press and Media Affairs to the Yobe State Governor in a terse statement on Thursday. According to him, "Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, today received Cross River state Governor Dr. Ben Ayade who joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic party." Ayade movementto APC has been speculatedfor months occassioned by series of alleged irreconcilable differences with some other leaders of the party. #

IOM raises alarm of possible exclusion of irregular migrants from vaccination efforts in 53 countries

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THe IOM has raised the alarm that irregular and undocumented migrants and those forcibly displaced are at particular risk in accessing national vaccination effort due to government policies, operational realities and administrative requirements like identification cards and residency permits for some migrants in 53 of the more than 160 countries where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has collected information on access so far. 

This was revealed by IOM Director General António Vitorino during a Media briefing on Tuesday in Bangladesh.

According to him, “We have been impressed with efforts made in dozens of countries to make vaccination roll-outs as equitable as possible, but barriers to health services have been systemic since before the pandemic and remain a reality for too many migrants in too many places.

“What we are seeing in some cases is a disconnect between what is being committed to on paper and what is actually happening in practice.

"Some 47 countries have already taken concrete steps to ensure that migrants, including those in irregular situations, can access the vaccine. Many nations are still awaiting doses to begin their vaccination roll-outs. Even when they start, IOM has identified more than 53 countries, territories or areas where current policies and operational realities will make vaccine access unattainable for the most vulnerable."

He said that IOM notes with particular concern that close to 40 countries where administrative processes – such as requirements to present a national ID or valid residence permit, or to pre-register with national insurance schemes – may present an obstacle for some categories of migrants and forcibly displaced persons.  

Vitorino stressed that other types of barriers have been identified in several locations, including prioritization of citizens and exclusion of non-nationals from vaccination campaigns; the lack of a “firewall” between health providers and immigration authorities which leads many migrants in irregular situations to fear arrest or deportation should they seek immunization; general vaccine hesitancy due to insufficient targeted outreach through linguistically and culturally appropriate channels; continued mobility as a challenge for vaccines requiring two doses, and the need to have a smartphone, a computer or an internet connection to enroll. 

The Director General explained that the Organization’s ongoing review of migrant access in practice – which differs from desk reviews of the national deployment and vaccination plans being undertaken by other stakeholders – has also brought to light the many encouraging initiatives taken by governments who recognize that vaccine equity is critical to overcome the health, economic and mobility crises posed by this pandemic.  

He listed the good practices noted are: Accepting any form of identification document, no matter its expiration date, with no questions asked about the person’s immigration status. Pro-actively reaching out to migrant communities, in tailored languages and through relevant communication channels to build trust and create vaccine demand. Deploying mobile vaccination teams to reach remote areas where primary health services remain scarce.  Guaranteeing that there will be no reporting to immigration authorities following immunization. Granting residency rights or visa extensions for migrants in irregular situations, to ensure they can access social benefits, including health care.  

He said that while working hand-in-hand with national health authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other key partners, IOM has been advocating for such measures to bridge the gaps, and has been providing governments with technical, policy and operational support, upon request.  

“There is still time to course-correct for vaccine equity wherever there is the political will to do so,” said Director General Vitorino. “It is often in the day-to-day processes and administrative requirements in health centres that the fight for true inclusion is won or lost, so I call on all governments to clear the path towards COVID-19 immunization for all.” He added.

IOM launches $140m appeal to support community and refugees in Bangladesh

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that it has launched an $140 million appeal to support over 1.3 million host community members and Rohingya refugees residing in Cox’s Bazar District in Bangladesh.  

This was revealed in a media briefing by António Vitorino, IOM Director General in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday.

He said that the appeal becomes important because there exist about 900,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh for four years since their mass displacement from Myanmar, preceded by decades of influxes spurned by systematic discrimination and targeted violence. 

Vitorino noted that while the Government of Bangladesh and the international community have maintained the provision of immediate life-saving assistance, but the needs are immense and complex challenges continue to emerge and reshape the nature of the response. 

According to him, “Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, we will continue to work closely with our partners and uphold our commitment to safeguard the well-being and dignity of both Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and their host communities.

“At the same time, the international community must continue to advocate for sustainable solutions in Myanmar that would eventually facilitate what all Rohingya refugees have consistently voiced as their main concern — to return home.” he added.

The Director General explained that humanitarian community swiftly shifted priorities in 2020 to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the Rohingya residing in the 34 congested refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar district. That the COVID-19 interventions were scaled up, and other humanitarian services adjusted, according to guidelines on access and presence to reduce the spread of infection.   

Adding that a recent UN survey revealed a decrease in shelter maintenance and livelihoods, and deterioration in the protection environment. "These challenges, and others such as monsoon and cyclone preparedness and response, will remain at the forefront of the response in 2021."

He stressed that IOM will continue to provide life-saving emergency shelter and core relief items to support households affected by the recent devastating fire, monsoon and other disasters and shocks. "The team will strengthen safe and dignified living conditions through rationalized and participatory site planning and through environmentally conscious construction and site maintenance initiatives." He said.

That the activities outlined in the appeal promote equitable access to mental health and psychosocial support services for all crisis-affected individuals. IOM also aims to encourage the use of essential healthcare packages among refugees and host communities by countering misinformation and supporting community engagement.  

Vitorino further said that the impact of the crisis on the affected areas in Cox’s Bazar District likewise requires concerted efforts to support host communities affected by price increases and strained livelihoods.  

He maintained that IOM will enhance the livelihoods and resilience of women, girls, men and boys who are part of vulnerable host communities, and support social protection interventions in cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh. That the organization will also continue to address the urgent cooking fuel needs of refugees through the provision of alternative clean fuel and technology.  

On his part, Giorgi Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh said, "Together with the Government and our local partners, we will contribute to the peaceful coexistence of Rohingya refugees and host communities.

"Ensuring a community-based approach to the response, the teams will continue to improve the participation of affected people through community feedback and collective data analysis.”  

IOM’s Global Crisis Response Platform provides an overview of IOM’s plans and funding requirements to respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of those impacted by, or at risk of, crisis and displacement in 2021 and beyond. 

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IOM begins support of UN Covid -19 vaccination in Yemen

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it has begun its support to the United Nations (UN) COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in Yemen where cases have recently surged. 

The Organization is currently providing vaccinations at five health centres in Aden, Ma’rib, Shabwah, Taiz and Lahj. 

This was disclosed on Tuesday by Christa Rottensteiner, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission.

Rottensteiner said Yemen has received 360,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses through the COVAX Facility on 31 March but that the roll-out of the vaccination campaign began on 20 April. 

He said that COVID-19 has had severe consequences for the health, well-being and income of people in Yemen. That the full impact can never be truly known due to limited testing and reporting across the country.  

"The monthly rate of positive COVID-19 cases reached over 2,400 in March, which was the highest confirmed in one month since the start of the pandemic. In April, the case rate continued to be higher than in previous months with more than 1,500 cases. As of early May, the case fatality rate reached over 19 per cent — the highest in the region. 

“Achieving wide-reaching immunity is vital to stopping the COVID-19 pandemic in its tracks.

"IOM is happy to support the vaccination campaign in Yemen to help reach that very aim. It is extremely important that all vulnerable communities in Yemen have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. 

"IOM welcomes the Government of Yemen’s decision to take an inclusive approach to the vaccine roll-out by including migrants in need. Our communities will not be healthy until everyone is healthy.” He added.

According to him, about 18,500 health workers and people with medical conditions have been vaccinated across Yemen. 

That In the next rounds of the vaccination campaign, migrants are expected to be included as per the national plan. 

Rottensteiner said IOM estimates that more than 32,000 migrants are currently stranded across Yemen, with limited access to health care, hygiene or other COVID-19 prevention and treatment resources.  

He emphasized that the vaccines being administered by IOM in the five health centres are provided through the COVAX Facility, which is a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  

Rottensteiner revealed that prior to the start of the vaccination campaign, IOM doctors were trained in administering the vaccine by WHO, UNICEF and the Ministry of Public Health and Population. 

That the health centres where IOM is helping to carry out the vaccination campaign are already supported by the Organization through other means, including the provision of medicine, supplies, equipment, salary support and training. 

He stressed that IOM is able to work with these health centres due to support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Government of Japan. 

For greater effectiveness of vaccination campaigns across the world, IOM calls for the removal of any barriers that migrants and forcibly displaced persons may face in accessing the jab.  

The Organization has been supporting governments through health system strengthening, outreach to share information and combat vaccine hesitancy among communities, and operational support for transport and storage of doses, among other activities. 

IOM has also been implementing an extensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic since its start in 2020 through other health services such as the construction of quarantine centres, enhancing COVID-19 diagnostics through PCR testing, risks communication and community engagement and health worker training.