Delta State, Warri
HOSTCOM DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY, ISSUES 21-DAY NOTICE TO OBOREVWORI
IduwiniVoice
HOSTCOM DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY, ISSUES 21-DAY NOTICE TO OBOREVWORI
By Tobouke JEMINE
The Delta State chapter of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), has issued a 21-day ultimatum to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address several demands. These demands include providing an account of the 13 percent derivation funds allocated to the state.
HOSTCOM, representing oil-producing communities in Delta State, accused the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) of neglecting these communities. Their frustration stems from unsuccessful attempts to engage with both the State Government and DESOPADEC. Failure to meet their demands may result in a large-scale protest
In an open letter to Governor Oborevwori, HOSTCOM expressed frustration that their attempts to engage with the State Government and interventionist agency have been unsuccessful.
The letter which was signed by the leadership of the Chapter, including the Chairman, Enujeke Sunday; Youth leader, Onyeka Ayangba; Woman leader, Mrs Loveth Eguare; as well as Chairmen of the respective ethnic nationalities – Goodwill Oruru (Itsekiri); Kingsley lkire (Ijaw); Andrew Agoyo (Urhobo); Emmanuel Omokaro (Isoko); Chris Nwose(Ndokwa) among others, stressed that if the Government fails to use the window of 21 days, HOSTCOM will moblize all her structures in the state to carry out the planned protest which will be peaceful and in full compliance with constitutional provisions.
Stressing that the oil derivation funds which amounts into billions of naira, are legitimately due them, the group alleged that so far there has been “nothing good and fair to show” from the Commission.
Urging the state government to avert the protest, which it pointed out may be to the detriment of the state’s economic growth, the letter affirmed that it would only support a government when funds meant for developing oil bearing communities are expended judiciously.
Stating that the excuse of ‘paucity of funds,’ would be resisted, HOSTCOM demanded thus: “Immediate attention should be given to the knotty issue of 13 per cent derivation accountability by the Governor, because it is the fundamental right of HOSTCOM to know how the disbursement is been patterned.
“We demand that since DESOPADEC as an interventionist agency of Government is managing 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation fund, HOSTCOM should be Co-Managers of the fund as established by law.
“ln a very transparent manner, there should be accountability by DESOPADEC to HOSTCOM.
“We strongly believe this is key to the take off of concrete developmental projects be be executed to specification.
Among other demands listed were timely release of its yearly subvention; activation of HOSTCOM Information and Computer Technology Centre, and as well, training/capacity building and empowerment of women and youths of the host communities.
By Admin
Abuja – A proposal to create 31 additional states across Nigeria is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. According to the committee, the move aims to address concerns about representation, governance, and regional development across the country.
The proposed states are distributed across various geopolitical zones, with six states suggested for the North-Central region, four for the North-East, five for the North-West, five for the South-South, and seven for the South-West. The committee has indicated that the proposal is in line with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the requirements for state creation.
Proposed States by Region
North-Central
1. Benue Ala (Benue)
2. Okun (Kogi)
3. Okura (Kogi)
4. Confluence (Kogi)
5. Apa-Agba (Benue South Senatorial District)
6. Apa (Benue)
7. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (as an autonomous state)
North-East
8. Amana (Adamawa)
9. Katagum (Bauchi)
10. Savannah (Borno)
11. Muri (Taraba)
North-West
12. New Kaduna (Kaduna)
13. Gurara (Kaduna)
14. Tiga (Kano)
15. Kainji (Kebbi)
16. Ghari (Kano)
South-East
17. Etiti (New)
18. Adada (Enugu)
19. Urashi (New)
20. Orlu (Imo)
21. Aba (Abia)
South-South
22. Ogoja (Cross River)
23. Warri (Delta)
24. Bori (Rivers)
25. Obolo (Rivers & Akwa Ibom), possibly a renamed Oil Rivers State
South-West
26. Toru-Ebe (Delta, Edo & Ondo)
27. Ibadan (Oyo)
28. Lagoon (Lagos & Ogun)
29. Ibeju (Ogun)
30. Ife-Ijesha (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
31. Oke-Ogun (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
Constitutional Process for State Creation
The proposal will require approval through a series of legislative steps. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that for a new state to be established, it must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected areas. Additionally, a referendum will be conducted, with the final decision forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.
This proposed restructuring has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step toward decentralization and regional autonomy, while others question its feasibility given Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your views!
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INC Demands the Creation of Toru-ebe and Oil Rivers States to Address the Underdevelopment of Ijaw Nation.
By Admin – Yenagoa
Ijaw National Congress (INC), the highest socio-cultural body representing the Ijaw people globally, has renewed its call for the establishment of two homogeneous Ijaw states—Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers—citing persistent infrastructural under-development, political marginalization, and environmental neglect.
This was disclosed during a press conference held on Wednesday at Ijaw Ware in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that despite being Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group and hosting some of the country’s key oil export terminals as the single highest producer of oil and gas, the Ijaw people have endured systemic neglect, both in infrastructure and politics.
“We call on the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all distinguished members of the National Assembly to seize this moment in history and act in the interest of justice,” Prof. Okaba stated.
He described this demand as a crucial step toward achieving justice, equity, and lasting peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that it would help redress historical injustices, drive economic progress, and secure a better future for the Ijaw people.
According to the INC, the creation of the proposed states would not only address issues of political exclusion and under-development, but also strengthen national unity. The organization urged all Ijaw people, along with other well-meaning Nigerians, to support the move towards the actualization of this critical milestone for fairness and equity.
By Divine Perezide
In a developing environmental crisis, residents and concerned stakeholders have raised alarms about an ongoing issue threatening marine life in Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama), Okrika.
According to reports, the cause of the problem remains unknown. However, its impact is severe, as it is actively destroying the sea life in the affected region. A call for urgent intervention has been made to prevent further damage.
In a statement issued by a concerned source, it was noted: “Matter of Urgent Repair. Location: Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama) Okrika. Reason: Unknown. Status: Not yet stopped. Impact: Destroying our sea life.”
The exact nature of the issue has yet to be determined, but local authorities and environmental agencies are urged to investigate and address the situation promptly.
This report is credited to MEDBOSS, with the hashtag #MEDBOSS signaling a wider appeal for awareness and action.
As the crisis unfolds, environmentalists and community leaders emphasize the need for swift measures to mitigate further harm and preserve the delicate marine ecosystem of Okrika.