News

Protest: Demand For Implementation Of PAI Our Legitimate Right, Itsekiri Chiefs Declare

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

A cross section of Warri Chiefs with the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief, Engr, Oma Eyewuoma at the middle

…Commend Iwere Sons, Daughters For Resilience, Sacrifices

The Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Oma Eyewuoma has said, the agitation by Itsekiris in demanding for the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is their legitimate right.

Chief Eyewuoma disclosed this in Warri when he and the Warri Council of Chiefs stormed the venue of the ongoing peaceful protest by the Itsekiri sons and daughters at the office of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulation Commission, Warri,( NNPC ) Zonal office to appreciate the protesters.

He commended the Iwere sons and daughters for their resilient and peaceful conduct on the day three of the protest for the non compliance and implementation of the Petroleum industry act (PIA).

While speaking, the Ologbotsere who spoke in unison with the other chiefs lauded the protesters for their sacrifices and resilience under the rain and the sun.

The chiefs who took turns to commend the protesters and to also pray for the progress in Warri Kingdom, spoke with one voice that, Itsekiris have been shortchanged for too long hence, it is pertinent to give all the necessary support to His Majesty, Ogiame, Atuwatse III (CFR) for the development of iwere land.

According to him, the on going struggle is not just for them, but for the future generations, therefore, there is need to for perseverance.

He said: “We are only demanding what is rightfully ours as Itsekiris and we should be given. The land is blessed with oil and should be for all and not for a few handful of people. The monarch has taken the step for everyone to benefit from the largesse of our God-given wealth. They were so many lies and falsehoods told before now and decision would have been taken if not for this protest as we say enough is enough”

He added, “The world should hear, listen and sympathize with us so when justice is given, others will benefit and Nigeria will move forward and develop as itsekiri will show the light through the leadership of our monarch”

Also speaking, Chief Francis Omatseye, while lauding them for their support and commitment, said the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) was applicable in the past but today is the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which is of more important and meets the needs of the people.

“Itsekiris should move forward in oneness and solidarity, Itsekiri cannot and will not fight war against themselves, it’s a peaceful protest”

He said the Monarch cannot be confined to the palace, according to some school of thoughts, adding that if an individual feels he has a right to speak concerning what affects Itsekiri people, the Olu who is the overall lordship is not in contention, therefore has the right to speak on issues that affect his Kingdom by playing the leadership role.

They called on Shell and Chevron Nigeria limited to respect the constituted authority, while saying that there is only one King in Warri and should be accorded the maximum respect if they want to enjoy the peace of the land.

Chief Brown Mene, Chief Solomon Areyenke, Chief (Mrs) Esther Okotie-Eboh were amongst those present.

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NiMet Predicts Three-day Rain, Thunderstorms From Monday

Published

17 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

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JUST IN: Ooni Visits Olubadan-designate Ladoja In Ibadan

Published

22 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday, paid a visit to the Olubadan designate, Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PUNCH reports that Oba Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

The two paramount rulers are currently exchanging pleasantries.

Details later…

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JUST IN: FG Revokes 1,263 Mineral Licenses Over Unpaid Fees

Published

23 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced a fresh revocation of not less than 1,263 mineral licenses.

These licenses, which will now be deleted from the Electronic Mining Cadastral System portal of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.

The minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, gave the revocation announcement in a statement issued by his special assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja.

The minister explained that the directive was issued due to the companies’ failure to comply with the requirement of paying their annual service fees.

The latest revocation brings the total mineral titles revoked under the current administration to 3, 794 including,619 mineral titles revoked for defaulting in paying annual service fees and 912 for dormancy last year.

By opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the revocation is expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.

The statement read, “Not less than 1,263 mineral licenses will be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral system of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, following their revocation by the Federal Government.

“These include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.”

Approving the revocation following the recommendation of the MCO, the Minister said applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector would make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.

“The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder, while financially capable and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites, is over.

“The annual service fee is the minimum evidence that you are interested in mining. You don’t have to wait for us to revoke the license because the law allows you to return the license if you change your mind,” the minister said.

He warned that the revocation does not mean the Federal Government has pardoned the annual service debt owed by licensees, adding that the list will be forwarded to the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that debtors pay or face the wrath of the law.

“This is to encourage due diligence and emphasise the consequences of inundating the license application processes with speculative activities.”

In the recommendation to the minister, the Director-General of the MCO, Simon Nkom, disclosed that there were 1,957 initial defaulters when the MCO published the intention to revoke licences in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025.

He informed the minister that the gazette was distributed to MCO offices nationwide to sensitise licencees and encourage them to comply within 30 days in compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and relevant regulations.

He observed that the delay in the final recommendation was due to complaints of several licensees who claimed to have paid to the Federal Government through Remita and had to be reconciled.

Earlier this month, the DG MCO had hinted that more mining licences would be revoked as part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and protect investors from fraudsters.

According to Nkom, the clean-up exercise, which covers expired, speculative, and inactive titles, is necessary to make room for genuine investors and ensure compliance with the law.

This is part of ongoing efforts at sanitising the sector since the inception of the Tinubu administration, and the salutary effects of the reforms are massive and manifest despite the attempts to push back by defaulters and their agents.