vvcwatch

  Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has rejected what they consider an imposition of military rule in Rivers State under the guise of a State of Emergency, calling it an unconstitutional assault on Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement signed by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, and Secretary, Barr. Christopher Ekpo, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, CHRAN condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency describing it as an extreme and undemocratic measure. “We reject the militarization of Rivers State in the name of a State of Emergency. This move disregards constitutional provisions and threatens the democratic rights of the people” CHRAN stated. The group faulted the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, maintaining that such actions violate the democratic mandate given to them by the people. “This is an overreach that contravenes Sections 1(2), 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). A democratic crisis should be resolved through lawful means, not by undermining elected governance,” the statement added. CHRAN therefore called in the National Assembly to immediately review the President’s action, warning that allowing such an executive overstep to stand would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. “The National Assembly must act swiftly to prevent Nigeria from sliding into authoritarian rule, where elected governments can be arbitrarily dissolved at the will of the President,” CHRAN cautioned. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to holding governments accountable to ensure that democratic principles remain protected in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom State government says it is positioning itself as a major player in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy, leveraging its vast coastal resources to drive industrialization and economic growth. The state government reaffirmed this commitment during a strategic engagement with the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals in Uyo on Friday. Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, while addressing his guests assured that the state  government is committed to maritime development. While maintaining that Governor Umo Eno’s administration is laying the groundwork for a robust blue economy, Ememobong cited the commissioning of Sure Protections and Sure Lines in Oron as early steps toward boosting maritime transport, tourism, and trade. “The Ibom Deep Seaport is not just an infrastructure project; it is the backbone of our economic future. Maximizing its potential requires strong collaboration between government and industry professionals,”  he  stated. He stressed that the state’s industrial city vision aligns with Nigeria’s local content law, which mandates significant local workforce participation. However, he noted that achieving this goal hinges on skill development, a priority area for Governor Eno. “This is why the state is investing in capacity building. Before these major projects take off, we must ensure that our people are equipped with the necessary expertise to fully capitalize on the opportunities ahead,” he added. Ememobong commended the Technical Committee on the Ibom Deep Seaport, led by maritime expert Mrs. Mfon Usoro, for its dedication to advancing the project. He assured that the government remains open to partnerships that will accelerate its realization. Speaking on behalf of the Oil and Gas Professionals, Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s maritime ambitions. “We are not just waiting for the deep seaport to be completed; we are here to help plan, strategize, and ensure that Akwa Ibom maximizes the full benefits of this development,” Umoren stated. The delegation included top industry experts such as Engr. Akaninyene Ekong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects; Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; Shell UK Project Lead and Adjunct Professor at John Moores University, UK, Prof. Maurice Asuquo; Engr. Iniobong Ebong of Jad Construction Ltd, Warri; and Nkopuyo Abraham, a Marine Pilot with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Communities in the Niger Delta have raised alarm over the severe health risks posed by methane emissions from oil and gas operations, calling on the government and fossil fuel companies to take urgent action to curb the hazard. At a workshop organized in Port Harcourt by Policy Alert, in collaboration with the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) and We The People, stakeholders decried the rising cases of respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and environmental degradation linked to unchecked gas flaring and methane leaks in the region. Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, described methane emissions as a silent killer. “Children, women, and the elderly bear the brunt of toxic air pollution, leading to chronic respiratory diseases and worsening health conditions. Methane also contributes to ground-level ozone formation, further endangering human lives,” he warned. Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, underscored the magnitude of the crisis, noting that methane emissions from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector accounted for 41% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions as of 2020. “Nigeria ranked seventh globally in gas flaring in 2022. Beyond the climate impact, these emissions are an existential threat to fenceline communities already suffering from ecosystem degradation, food insecurity, and compromised livelihoods,” he stated. Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Program Officer at NRGI, condemned the failure of oil companies and regulators to uphold global environmental standards. “Communities here cannot continue to suffer while stringent methane reduction policies are enforced in developed countries. Nigeria must implement the 2030 gas flaring phase-out with the seriousness it deserves,” she insisted. Participants at the workshop called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, tougher penalties for gas flaring, and greater community involvement in environmental monitoring. They also advocated for increased investment in alternative energy sources such as solar to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Civil society organizations pledged technical support to strengthen grassroots advocacy, while community representatives committed to educating locals on the dangers of methane pollution and engaging oil companies and regulators more effectively.