News

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

Published

9 months ago

September 7, 2023

Editor

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.

News

Amadasun Owns Landed Property Situated At Zone MD Obazagbon, Benin Court Rules

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

A Benin High Court presided over by Hon Justice A.N. Erhabor has issued a certificate of “execution of warrant of possession” to Mr Frank Omo- Amadasun in order to take full possession of his landed property situated at Zone MD/A44/OBAZAGBON in lkpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

In 2021, some persons encroached the landed property measuring 1,000 feets by 1,000 feets in Obazagbon near Avbiama in Ikpoba okha local government area of Edo state.

The land acquired in 1979, was in full control of the complainant before its encroachment.

This forced Amadasun to institute a legal procedure against those who encroached on his land including Johnson Akpobosa, Peter Akpobosa, Abel Oyo Akpobosa l, Mrs Omoruyi, Mrs Oronsaye and 11 unknown persons.

In the case marked: No.B/975/2021, there was consequently an enrolment of order where the judge granted an interlocutory injunction restraining all the defendants/ respondents, their servants, agents, or any person howsoever described as acting on their behalf or instruction from further trespassing on the piece or parcel of land measuring approximately 1,000 feets by 1,000 feets known as plot 53351 lying and situate at Zone MD/A44/OBAZAGBON, lkpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suite before the court.

But despite the restraining order, the defendants went ahead to start developing property in the land.

In the judgement, the court confirmed that Mr Amadasun has a verifiable Certificate of Occupancy to the land with digital registrar in the EDOGIS.

The court also confirmed that the claimant is the rightful owner in possession of 1,000 feets by 1,000 feets bounded by Beacon numbers 542, 543, 544 and 454 which covers an area measuring approximately 8, 557 hectares now known as plot 53351, lying and situate at Obazagbon in lkpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

After the judgement, the claimant, then got a certificate of execution of a warrant of possession which has been fully executed.

Contacted , the Edo state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the police received a letter from the Deputy Director of the High Court to execute the court order over the land.

SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the Edo state Commissioner of Police , CP Funsho Adegboye has since ordered men of the Anti Kidnapping And Cybercrime Unit of the Edo State Police Command to take over the judgement execution order.

As at Press time, the claimant has since taken over the full possession of the land as ordered by the court but not without resistance by some persons in Obazagbon in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state.

News

Ex-First Bank Chairman Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

A former Minister of Labour and former Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, Ajibola Afonja has died aged 82.

The Oyo-born Prince passed away on Sunday night, May 19 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Confirming the passage of the former Minister in a statement, the Oyo Global Forum (OGF) through its Chairman, Taiwo Adebayo described the late Afonja as a unifier.

“On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82.

“Although, a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly light for the Oyo community where he made pioneering efforts as an industrialist. His legacy of generosity and open-heartedness touched countless lives, and his presence will be profoundly missed.

“Until his last month, Daddy IDS, as he was affectionately known, as a reference to his manufacturing company, remained hardworking, dedicated to realizing one of the most transformative business visions for the country’s economy. It was the E-Customs project.

“His absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his spirit of generosity and leadership will continue to inspire us. For all of us that he inspired, we shall honour his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied and continuing his legacy of service and compassion, the values that guide OGF, which he supported during his lifetime.”

Afonja was Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Bank Plc and was appointed as Minister of Labour under the interim government of Earnest Shonekan.

He was the chairman of Integrated Dimensional System and many other companies. He attended Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom where he bagged a degree in Accounting in 1970.

News

UK Regulator Reports Air Peace Over Alleged Safety Violation

Published

6 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority has written Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority stating Air Peace has reportedly violated some aviation safety regulations

The development came barely three months after the Nigerian carrier commenced the Lagos-London route.

Two mandatory occurrence reports on Air Peace had been reportedly sent to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.

The UK CAA, in turn, forwarded the complaints to the NCAA.

The CAA’s letter of complaint forwarded to NCAA was entitled; ‘United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report with reference number: CAA-UK, -2024-0217’ and ‘NATS Management System Safety Report.’

The NCAA has also written to Air Peace to provide clarification on the issues.

The letter, with reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/APL/Vol.11/03624 was titled, “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report.

It was dated May 14, 2024, and signed by the NCAA General Manager of Operations, Capt. O.O. Lawani.

In the letter, the NCAA said the UK CAA had called its attention to the no operational approval of Electronic Flight Bag functions affecting the safe operation of the aircraft, while adding that the captain of the flight admitted that an Electronic Flight Bag was being used for navigational purposes.

NCAA further noted that the CAA stated in its letter that there was “no mounting device for the use of EFB, no charging points or battery for backup.”

Air Peace recently commenced operation to London Gatwick from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which Nigeria has with the UK.

The spokesperson of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, could not be reached as of press time.

When called, the spokesperson of the airline picked but when this reporter began to enquire about the development, he kept mute until the call ended.

The PUNCH correspondent also sent a text message of enquiry to the spokesman but there was no response as of the time of filing this report.