Osinbajo’s visit To Niger Delta And Matters Arising
EJIKEME OMENAZU – LAGOS — The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday January 16, 2017 paid a one-day working visit to Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State. While there, he had first-hand knowledge of the volatile and explosive nature of the crisis-ridden, oil-rich region, which for long has been the nation’s cash cow.
Osinbajo saw the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups disagreeing on the ownership of the site of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, whose take-off is one of the demands not only by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu Kingdom, but the Niger Delta people as a whole.
At first, before his arrival, some when monarchs, who waited for several hours at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Conference Hall, Effurun, become restless and angrily stormed out of the hall.
However, Osinbajo’s arrival as his executive helicopter made an emergency landing at about 5p.m with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the chief host and the governor of Delta State, saved the day. The monarchs who had staged a walk-out gradually returned to the hall as the security men had securely locked the gate, thereby preventing their drivers from leaving the premises.
With Osinbajo were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd.) among others.
Okowa led the state delegation, which included his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, while the co-chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, led the former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, Pastor Power Aginighan and HRH Anabs Sara Igbe to the event.
While at the troubled Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area, the people complained that they have become more endangered and estranged by the current Nigerian state. They called on the Federal Government to reconcile them back to the national union.
Osinbajo, who touched down at Oporoza onboard a Nigerian Navy 231 helicopter, at about 1209hrs, first held closed-door discussion with the Pere (King) of Gbaramatu, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba and his Council of Chiefs. The discussion was also witnessed by Governor Okowa, among other stakeholders before a larger and open interaction.
Osinbajo saw the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups disagreeing on the ownership of the site of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, whose take-off is one of the demands not only by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu Kingdom, but the Niger Delta people as a whole.
At first, before his arrival, some when monarchs, who waited for several hours at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Conference Hall, Effurun, become restless and angrily stormed out of the hall.
However, Osinbajo’s arrival as his executive helicopter made an emergency landing at about 5p.m with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the chief host and the governor of Delta State, saved the day. The monarchs who had staged a walk-out gradually returned to the hall as the security men had securely locked the gate, thereby preventing their drivers from leaving the premises.
With Osinbajo were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd.) among others.
Okowa led the state delegation, which included his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, while the co-chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, led the former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, Pastor Power Aginighan and HRH Anabs Sara Igbe to the event.
While at the troubled Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area, the people complained that they have become more endangered and estranged by the current Nigerian state. They called on the Federal Government to reconcile them back to the national union.
Osinbajo, who touched down at Oporoza onboard a Nigerian Navy 231 helicopter, at about 1209hrs, first held closed-door discussion with the Pere (King) of Gbaramatu, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba and his Council of Chiefs. The discussion was also witnessed by Governor Okowa, among other stakeholders before a larger and open interaction.
Gbaramatu seeks take off of the Maritime University
Chief Godspower Gbenekama, spokesman of Gbaramatu, who presented the kingdom’s position, told Osinbajo that they expected that the visit would be a game-changer capable of building genuine confidence in the people and Niger Delta in general.
He said: “Coming at a time of national economic recession and when the Niger Delta, especially Gbaramatu, has become more endangered and feeling estranged from the Nigerian nation, we believe this visit will truly build confidence in the people of Gbaramatu and Niger Delta on Federal Government’s commitment beyond hitherto frustrating rhetorics, not just in developing but according dignity and pride of place to the oil-rich region.
“Gbaramatu Kingdom is tall and rich in national oil infrastructure that enriches the nation but lamentably lacking in infrastructure that benefits the people. Against the foregoing pitiable background, we herein raise issues of immediate concern, hoping the Federal Government will leverage on same to reconcile Gbaramatu, the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta to the Nigerian nation.”
Gbenekama stressed: “Gbaramatu’s entire landscape wallows in utter government neglect. It was against this backdrop that the immediate past administration established the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, the only Federal Government initiative that rekindled hope of meaningfully engaging restive youths and prospect of endearing the people to the Nigerian project.
“Sadly, no sooner than the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was inaugurated, academic activities slated for commencement September 2015 were suspended over varied interests just as construction works at the permanent site were halted due to discontinued funding.
“A visit to Kurutie, the take-off site would reveal a campus that can compete in infrastructure with similar institutions in the world. It is our appeal that you use your good offices to remove all restraints and ensure commencement, soonest, of academic activities in the university to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
He said: “Coming at a time of national economic recession and when the Niger Delta, especially Gbaramatu, has become more endangered and feeling estranged from the Nigerian nation, we believe this visit will truly build confidence in the people of Gbaramatu and Niger Delta on Federal Government’s commitment beyond hitherto frustrating rhetorics, not just in developing but according dignity and pride of place to the oil-rich region.
“Gbaramatu Kingdom is tall and rich in national oil infrastructure that enriches the nation but lamentably lacking in infrastructure that benefits the people. Against the foregoing pitiable background, we herein raise issues of immediate concern, hoping the Federal Government will leverage on same to reconcile Gbaramatu, the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta to the Nigerian nation.”
Gbenekama stressed: “Gbaramatu’s entire landscape wallows in utter government neglect. It was against this backdrop that the immediate past administration established the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, the only Federal Government initiative that rekindled hope of meaningfully engaging restive youths and prospect of endearing the people to the Nigerian project.
“Sadly, no sooner than the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was inaugurated, academic activities slated for commencement September 2015 were suspended over varied interests just as construction works at the permanent site were halted due to discontinued funding.
“A visit to Kurutie, the take-off site would reveal a campus that can compete in infrastructure with similar institutions in the world. It is our appeal that you use your good offices to remove all restraints and ensure commencement, soonest, of academic activities in the university to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Militarisation
On the militarisation of Gbaramatu, Gbenekama told Osinbajo: “Under the guise of searching for oil facility vandals, oil thieves and other criminals, the Nigerian military has become an army of occupation, committing serial invasions on Gbaramatu Kingdom. The consequences have been loss of several lives and properties and huge humanitarian crisis.
Niger Delta wants dialogue –PANDEF
“Continued military occupation, invasions and unwarranted harassments give a lie to Federal Government’s commitment to the dialogue option. The entire Niger Delta region has embraced dialogue as symbolized by mandates for dialogue given to the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) which could pan out a way where the people would be involved in protecting the oil resources that also benefit them.
“Gbaramatu is not at war with the Federal Government. It is, therefore, our appeal and hope that your visit today will pave way for demilitarisation of the area for genuine and result-oriented dialogue. Dialogue under military occupation and harassments is dialogue in chains.”
They called for actualisation of the EPZ project, fiscal federalism as enduring solution to national agitation. They added: “We feel the entire Niger Delta shares our commitment to dialogue. The Federal Government should deepen its engagement processes in the Niger Delta and usher in enduring peace and reconciliation of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Niger Delta to the Nigerian nation.”
“Gbaramatu is not at war with the Federal Government. It is, therefore, our appeal and hope that your visit today will pave way for demilitarisation of the area for genuine and result-oriented dialogue. Dialogue under military occupation and harassments is dialogue in chains.”
They called for actualisation of the EPZ project, fiscal federalism as enduring solution to national agitation. They added: “We feel the entire Niger Delta shares our commitment to dialogue. The Federal Government should deepen its engagement processes in the Niger Delta and usher in enduring peace and reconciliation of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Niger Delta to the Nigerian nation.”
Buhari directs take-off of NMU project
Shortly after visiting facilities at the Kurutie temporary site of the Nigerian Maritime University, Osinbajo, who said he came as a representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, said there had been considerable readiness to ensure the university project was fully realised.
“In terms of readiness, there is considerable readiness as you can see with the physical structures we have. The President has already directed that this project must move on. So, there is nothing more to say except that I have been there and seen work has been done.
“The bill establishing the university has passed second reading. We expect that it should be ready quickly and passed into law. Once it is passed into law, the take-off of the university is sure.”
“In terms of readiness, there is considerable readiness as you can see with the physical structures we have. The President has already directed that this project must move on. So, there is nothing more to say except that I have been there and seen work has been done.
“The bill establishing the university has passed second reading. We expect that it should be ready quickly and passed into law. Once it is passed into law, the take-off of the university is sure.”
Gbagi dismisses visit
Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, former Minister of State, Education, dismissed the visit as fruitless. He said the Vice-President and organisers of the visit took the Urhobo nation for granted. He said: “You don’t take the Urhobo for granted and we cannot accept a situation where our traditional rulers are treated like second class citizens in our own land.” According to him, it was against the grain of reason for Osinbajo to visit other ethnic strongholds without stopping over at Ughelli, the political headquarters of the Urhobo nation.
Itsekiri state demands
Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli’s speech was read by Chief Brown Mene Its highpoints include the establishment of Naval Base at Escravos, the opening of the Warri and Koko Ports, dredging of Escravos Bar and Koko River, establishment of Maritime University at Okerenghigho forcefully changed to Okerenkoko illegally. The Itsekiri also demanded that federal government formally acquire the land of the Maritime University from Omadino people and the commencement of the EPZ project at Ogidigben.
Osinbajo’s response to Olu’s Speech
Osinbajo, speaking at the palace of the Olu of Warri, said that justice would become relevant where there is peace and stability. He also restated President Buhari’s commitment to the Niger Delta and how traditional rulers and people of the Niger Delta could sustain peace and relegate pipeline vandalism that would in-turn give way for development of our country.
VP’s Lamentation for N’Delta
Speaking to the stakeholders on the subject, “We Must Prepare for the Future”, Osinbajo lamented: “The Niger Delta that you see today, including this kingdom we are now, is an area with poor infrastructures. No schools, no hospitals and severe pollution. The Niger Delta of today is that of daily pipeline vandalism. In 2014 alone, there were over 3,700 incidents of pipeline vandalism. From January to June 2016, there were over 1,447 incidents of vandalism.”
The Visit Will Placate Niger Delta People –Ubani
Barrister Monday Ubani, a Lagos lawyer and Second Vice President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) stated that if there is sincerity on the part of the federal government in resolving the Niger Delta crisis, Osinbajo’s visit would go a long way to ensure that the people of the region are placated.
Speaking with Independent in Lagos, Ubani said: “Government officials should go to the areas that have been devastated by the environmental degradation and have a first hand knowledge of the situation there and see what could be done to change the situation.
“Amnesty is not really the solution to the problem of the Niger Delta, but the physical development of the region. There should be sincere in carrying out any agreement that may be reached with the people of the Niger Delta.
“Must the federal government must carry out real physical development of the region if there will be a lasting peace in the area.”
Speaking with Independent in Lagos, Ubani said: “Government officials should go to the areas that have been devastated by the environmental degradation and have a first hand knowledge of the situation there and see what could be done to change the situation.
“Amnesty is not really the solution to the problem of the Niger Delta, but the physical development of the region. There should be sincere in carrying out any agreement that may be reached with the people of the Niger Delta.
“Must the federal government must carry out real physical development of the region if there will be a lasting peace in the area.”
The visit, a positive development – Iheonu
Barrister Nnaemeka Iheonu, also a Lagos lawyer and member of the International Bar Association (IBA), stated that although he did not have the details of Prof Osinbajo’s visit to Gbaramatu, “his visit itself is a positive development and very necessary to enable the federal government get first hand information on the plight of the people there and listen to their complaints. Dialogue brings about positive policies and actions by the government.”
A right step in the right direction –Ebhomien
Prof John Ebhomien, a strategic economist and former World Bank consultant also viewed Osinbajo’s visit as a right step in the right direction and that it would help to smoothen the relationship between the federal government and the Niger Delta people and appease the militants there.
Ebhomien stressed: “The vice president is visiting the region for the second time. This will help to appease the militants. But the government should restore the allowances of the youths in the region to reduce the tension there.
“The government should begin the real dialogue on the crisis in the region. Since the people may trust some of the elders who they suspect have been part of the problem in the area, the government should bring in international mediators who the Niger Delta people will trust.
“The government should go a step further to ensure that all agreements are implemented, including the 16-pont agenda presented to the government by the Niger Delta leaders. In coming up with development programmes for the region, the government should ensure probity and accountability and check corruption.
“I wish to add that this is the time for the politicians from the region, especially Governor Nyesom Wike and Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport, to sheathe their swords to make possible peaceful efforts in the region.”
Ebhomien stressed: “The vice president is visiting the region for the second time. This will help to appease the militants. But the government should restore the allowances of the youths in the region to reduce the tension there.
“The government should begin the real dialogue on the crisis in the region. Since the people may trust some of the elders who they suspect have been part of the problem in the area, the government should bring in international mediators who the Niger Delta people will trust.
“The government should go a step further to ensure that all agreements are implemented, including the 16-pont agenda presented to the government by the Niger Delta leaders. In coming up with development programmes for the region, the government should ensure probity and accountability and check corruption.
“I wish to add that this is the time for the politicians from the region, especially Governor Nyesom Wike and Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport, to sheathe their swords to make possible peaceful efforts in the region.”
Osinbajo’s visit is a belated approach –Akele
Comrade Ayodele Akele, veteran trade unionist and the National Secretary of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said: “Is Osinbajo the president? Why is the president avoiding the Niger Delta? Osinbajo’s visit is a belated approach.
“Buhari was to go to Ogoniland the other time to flag-off the Ogoni-Clean-up. He jettisoned the visit at the dying minute and sent Osinbajo. He has been using the words ‘Crush the militants’, but cannot use such for the Fulani herdsmen who have been committing more atrocities all over the country than the Niger Delta militants.
“Buhari stopped the allowances of the Niger Delta youths put in place by former President Goodluck Jonathan, thereby aggravating the crisis there. He has not been fair to the Niger Delta people. I do not see Osinbajo’s visit yielding any positive results.
“What is important is the attitude of the government. The government is playing double standard in the Niger Delta crisis. President Buhari should come out with a holistic peace process in the Niger Delta. Niger Delta people will not take all these visits by Osinbajo seriously.”
“Buhari was to go to Ogoniland the other time to flag-off the Ogoni-Clean-up. He jettisoned the visit at the dying minute and sent Osinbajo. He has been using the words ‘Crush the militants’, but cannot use such for the Fulani herdsmen who have been committing more atrocities all over the country than the Niger Delta militants.
“Buhari stopped the allowances of the Niger Delta youths put in place by former President Goodluck Jonathan, thereby aggravating the crisis there. He has not been fair to the Niger Delta people. I do not see Osinbajo’s visit yielding any positive results.
“What is important is the attitude of the government. The government is playing double standard in the Niger Delta crisis. President Buhari should come out with a holistic peace process in the Niger Delta. Niger Delta people will not take all these visits by Osinbajo seriously.”
The visit won’t achieve any useful purposes — Anike
Comrade Chares Anike, the National President of Eastern Union, described Prof Osinbajo latest visit to the Niger Delta as a political jamboree, which he said, would not achieve any useful purposes, just like his earlier visit to Ogoniland.
Speaking to Independent from his Abuja base, Comrade Anike stressed that the federal government met with the Niger Delta leaders, who presented a 16-point agenda to President Buhari, adding that if the government had been serious, it should have started the dialogue and the implementation of the 16-point agenda by now, or even meet it half way.
“I see the visit as a political propaganda. Osinbajo once visited Ogoniland for the flag-off of the clean-up of the polluted Ogoniland. What has happened since that visit? What is the benefit of that first visit? Ogoniland has remained the same since the visit.
“This visit also by Osinbajo is another futile effort. It cannot stop the militants’ attack of the oil installations, but may escalate the crisis since he is only going there to make political statements.
“Niger Delta is too strategic for the economy of the nation. It requires the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari. Why is he avoiding the area? He should visit there and personally assure the people of the Niger Delta. Since his inauguration, he has been avoiding going to the Niger Delta
Speaking to Independent from his Abuja base, Comrade Anike stressed that the federal government met with the Niger Delta leaders, who presented a 16-point agenda to President Buhari, adding that if the government had been serious, it should have started the dialogue and the implementation of the 16-point agenda by now, or even meet it half way.
“I see the visit as a political propaganda. Osinbajo once visited Ogoniland for the flag-off of the clean-up of the polluted Ogoniland. What has happened since that visit? What is the benefit of that first visit? Ogoniland has remained the same since the visit.
“This visit also by Osinbajo is another futile effort. It cannot stop the militants’ attack of the oil installations, but may escalate the crisis since he is only going there to make political statements.
“Niger Delta is too strategic for the economy of the nation. It requires the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari. Why is he avoiding the area? He should visit there and personally assure the people of the Niger Delta. Since his inauguration, he has been avoiding going to the Niger Delta
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