NEWS
Okuama Inks 9-Point Peace Accord With Okoloba
The leaders of the two neighbouring communities of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) and Okoloba of Bomadi LGA of Delta State have signed a nine-point peace accord to draw the curtain on their longstanding hostilities.
To add bite to the accord, they set up a 10-man Monitoring Committee at a meeting on Saturday at the Government House Annex, Warri.
It was gathered that the Chairman, Bomadi Local Government council, Rawlings Andaye, brokered the peace meeting in collaboration with his Ughelli South counterpart, Lucky Iroro Avweromie.
ALSO READ: Protests Erupt In Delta As Prices Hit Record Highs, Tinubu Under Fire
Notable attendees of the meeting where Okuama and Okoloba communities resolved to embrace peace and to “live in peace and harmony” were the leadership of both communities, royal fathers and security agents from both Local Government Areas.
The Peace accord provided thus, “Immediate Ceasefire: Both communities agree to an immediate ceasefire and an end to all hostilities.
“Denouncement of Violence: Both communities denounce the recent military operations and the looting and destruction of property in the Okuama community.
“Reconciliation: Both communities agree to work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
“Access to Farmlands and Farming Activities: Both communities agree to grant free access to farmlands and farming activities within our respective boundaries, recognizing the importance of agriculture to our livelihood.”
In addition, the peace accord provided that both communities appealed to the government to strengthen the joint patrols along the Forcados River bank to ensure safety and security.
“Free Passage along the Forcados River: Both communities agree to allow free passage of boats and passengers along the Forcados River bank bordering both communities.
“Release of Properties: Both communities appeal to the chairmen of both local governments to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of belongings by neighbouring communities during and after the operations of the military at Okuama community. We further appeal to both chairmen for commitment towards identifying and recovering the stolen items, ensuring that justice is served and affected individuals are duly compensated.
“Dispute Resolution: Both communities agree to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
“Community Engagement: Both communities agree to engage in community outreach programmes to promote peace and understanding.”
Declaring open the peace parley, Andaye, who chaired it, noted that it was convened at the instance of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who, according to him, mandated him to “iron out all aching issues between the two communities”.
“The main purpose of this meeting is that we have no other option than to live in peace. The Okoloba and Okuama crisis is not from God, it is of the devil and no price is too big to pay for peace to reign between these two communities”, the Bomadi Council chairman stated.
He spoke further, “You people have lived together peacefully in the days of old and you can do same today. Let that old relationship between Okuama and Okoloba be sustained.
“Our governor, Sheriff Oborevwori is aware of this meeting and he is expecting us to report back to him after the meeting. If we don’t agree to live in peace now, we are planting hatred and persistent conflicts for our future generations.
“The ultimate goal of this meeting is to ensure lasting peace between Okuama and Okoloba communities, and we want both communities to go back to your age-long relationship of peaceful co-existence”.
In the same vein, the Chairman, Ughelli South LG, Avweromie, stated that “sustainable peace could only be achieved if both communities forgave one another’s offences and mistakes”.
According to Avweromie, “No other person can settle this issue but the people of Okuama and Okoloba communities. We have to speak as brothers and sisters, lasting peace can only be achieved if you forgive one another.
“Let us maintain our old relationship where we farm and fish together because we want free access to the river, we want free trade in the river and it is a must Okuama and Okoloba lived peacefully”.
In his contribution, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenekevwe Ikolo, emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence between the two communities, stressing that “an atmosphere of crisis often hatched out negative effects on an area and the people.
“Crisis destroys the very fabrics of our communities. Crisis breeds fear, sorrow, economic hardship and deaths. When we live in peace, we develop our domains and there is no need for us to be fighting one another.”
He urged the representatives of both communities to “go back home and talk to your people on the need for peaceful coexistence.
“We must refresh our minds and have the spirit of forgiveness so we can stand together as a people.”
On his part, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Pere Kalanama VIII, commended the two Local Government Council Chairmen on the peace deal.
In his words, “both Okoloba and Okuama have been living together for over three hundred years and I want to appeal that it’s enough of the fight. The land dispute should be amicably settled.
“I want to urge the state government to step in to demarcate the boundaries between the two communities for lasting peace to reign.”
Also, the Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, Solomon Okukeren, preached peace and unity to both communities urging them to stop the spread of hate speech.
“Okuama and Okoloba communities were one people. I want both communities to embrace peace and harmony”, the Ovie said.
The leadership of both communities pledged their willingness to live as brothers and thanked the initiators of the peace move, in their respective responses to the speeches.
The Secretary-General of Ewu Kingdom, Amb. Edewor Egedegbe, who led the Okuama community representatives, commended Gov Oborevwori and the two Local Government chairmen for initiating the peace move.
While pledging Okuama community’s readiness to live peacefully with its neighbouring Okoloba community, Egedegbe lauded Gov Oborevwori “for ensuring that there is sustainable peace between us.
“I also commend the efforts of the council chairmen and traditional rulers on this peace building process.”
He assured that “the people of Okuama are eternally committed to peace between both communities.
“We also use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to follow due process in the approach on issues as innocent Okuama indigenes are suffering, and as we are speaking we don’t know the whereabouts of our frontline community leaders.”
On his part, leader of the Okoloba community delegation Dr David Akpobolokemi, assured that the community fully subscribed to the peace accord which he described as “a fundamental move”.
“We subscribed to it in its entirety and Okoloba community is committed to ensuring sustainable peace between us. We will do everything humanly possible to live together in peace and move forward”, he averred.
He commended Gov Oborevwori and the two council chairmen for the tireless efforts made towards achieving sustainable peace between the two communities
NEWS
Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
READ MORE: States Tighten Measures To Prevent Stampedes At Events
The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.
The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.
Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.
NEWS
Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More
A cry has gone out for further reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria to reflect local domestic production of refined products.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has urged further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, insisting that the recent drop in price to N935/litre was begging the situation.
Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to N935/litre.
Before the announcement, the commodity sold for over N1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than N1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.
ALSO READ: CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol
In a swift reaction, on Sunday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said its members would be selling petrol at N935/litre from Monday based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima,, according The Punch, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.
They had set aside N36/litre as cost of logistics.
However, the announcement did not excite the NLC, which insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.
A senior official of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, unequivocally rejected any commendation for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.
He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity, according to The Punch.
“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.
He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework — including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad — unfairly burden Nigerians.
“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.
Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.
“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.
He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.
“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.
“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.
NEWS
No Regrets On Subsidy Removal, Tax Reforms To Continue – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.
The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”
The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.
However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.
Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.
READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight
No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal
Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”
The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.
Tackling Inflation and Corruption
Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.
On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.
Food Stampedes and Governance
The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”
The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.