Who Murdered Intel's Deputy General Manager?
The police and the general public have been jolted over the recent assassination of Mr. Chuks Ihuoma, Deputy General Manager Intels Nigeria Limited, by unknown gunmen in Port Harcourt. Sources close to the security operatives in Port Harcourt hinted that there is an intensified effort to unravel those behind the killing. Last weekend, a police source said that efforts were still on to track down the killers of the late man.

Meanwhile, the relatives and colleagues of the late maritime worker are asking: "Who murdered Intel's Deputy GM? What offence did he commit?" Unconfirmed sources had it that the killing might not be unconnected with youth restiveness, especially from aggrieved communities that may have unresolved issues with Intels over sundry settlements. Others are, however, of the opinion that the death might be a fallout of intrigues existing in the maritime sector. Sources told Niger Delta STANDARD Maritime World that the Mbaise, Imo State born Intels worker was shot at his Rumuibekwe, Port Harcourt residence, by yet to be identified gunmen, as his car pulled up to the gate of his house.

Niger Delta STANDARD gathered that the gunmen may have trailed late Mr. Chuks Ihuoma, and swiftly intercepted him as his gatemen made to open the gate for him. It was learnt that the assailants, who shot sporadically to scare passersby, also dislodged the home security operatives, shooting Mr. Ihuoma severally before he slumped. Intels premises, according to sources, has been calm as a result of the incident, and there is palpalable anger in the minds of several staff. Dr. Ken Fashola, Intels Manager, Marketing Communications could not be reached for comments on the incident.

Although the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rivers State Command, Mrs. Rita Inoma Abbey (DSP) could not be reached for comments, sources close to her office confirmed the incident, and assured that police was committed to unraveling the perpetrators of the crime.


Shell Stalls Nigeria's Crude Export
There are fresh reports that the Royal Dutch oil company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) may have suspended continued export of its crude to comply with the supply oil cuts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC). We learnt that this move is unconnected with the decision of OPEC to stick to benchmarks for crude productions by its West African members. Sources hinted Niger Delta STANDARD Maritime World that this move was informed as a result of sharp reductions in crude export prices at the international market. Already, sources say that Shell has declared what legal experts tag "Force Majeure" on its Nigerian oil export.

We learnt "Force Majeure" is a legal terminology used to describe a clause, which allows producers to delay deliveries for reasons associated with circumstances beyond their control. Niger Delta STANDARD Maritime World reliably gathered that OPEC has said that its members would cut down the crude oil production outputs by abut 1.5 million barrels per day starting from November, through December. We also authoritatively gathered that NNPC has set the plan for the reduction of crude volume. A crude export production from Nigeria's Bonga, Forcados and Bonny Light Crude Productions, according to spokesperson of Shell Petroleum, Ravier Winzenried, has remained low, International News Agency reports.

Mr. Winzenried said that Shell will reduce its crude volume in November and December shipments by 5 per cent. Already, the oil company has cancelled five cargoes this month while shipment in December has been put at 7.6m barrels. However, Shell maintained that even though Force Majeure has been declared as a quick response to the crash in international crude oil prices, the company spokesperson, Winzeried expressed hope that this will not totally collapse crude oil productions for export, though he confirmed that the development will no doubt affect exports of crude.

Navy May be Dragged to Court Over Assault
The Nigerian Navy appears to be at a crossroads, as Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola steps up support for a woman brutalized by naval personnel, to seek redress in a Lagos High Court. Sources informed Niger Delta STANDARD that the Navy has been under intense criticism over the incident of battery and assault meted against a 27- year-old woman, Miss Uzoma Okere, in Lagos last week. Niger Delta STANDARD maritime world authoritatively gathered that a detachment of the Nigerian Navy in the convoy of the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Arogundade, had last Monday violated the fundamental human right of the citizen, Okere.

Already, Governor Fashola has apologized to Miss Uzoma Okere even as he has directed the state Ministry of Justice to step up action to provide required legal support to the brutalized Okere, with a view to protecting her fundamental human rights. Already, a source from the Nigerian Navy told journalists last week that it was the fault of Miss Okere for starting the fight, which they reasoned may be because her father was a retired colonel in the army.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy say they will officially investigate the allegation leveled against their men before they can come up with appropriate statement. A source at the naval base in Lagos said they had always been mindful to ensure public understanding and friendship, so that the Navy will not be dragged in the mud.

Recruitment Forms for Aqua-Cultural Fish Farmers Ready
Rivers State Government is set to commence the recruitment of aqua-cultural fish farmers to enhance fish production in the state. This hint was given recently by the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Aqua-Culture and Deep Sea Fishing, Hon. Kuro Briggs. The special adviser, who was addressing participants during a stakeholders conference tagged: "Towards Sustainable Rural Transformation," said that government would be proactive in the implementation of the recommendations by stakeholders and participants during the conference.

"We shall ensure that this training will not just end up as a theoretical exercise, but it would achieve the desired support expected form government to make the dream a reality", Hon Kuro Briggs stated. Already, sources have told Niger Delta STANDARD maritime world that majority of the participants have indicated their willingness to take the opportunity the programme has offered to diversify into the fishing sector. Last week, sources told Niger Delta STANDARD maritime world that the forms for the deep sea fish farms were already available for co-operative fish farmers at the department of fisheries, Rivers State Secretariat.

Hon. Kuro Briggs also explained that the first set of forms had already been sent across to the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. He further explained that this is to give interested parties the required opportunities to benefit from the good programmes of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Enyinnaya Onyema.




Next >>